Senate Resolution No. 2555

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING The Good News Foundation of Central New
York Inc. upon the occasion of celebrating its 25th
Anniversary on June 21, 2017

WHEREAS, The character and richness of religious and community life
in this noble Empire State is nourished and fulfilled through the
faithful concern and selfless devotion of those who would commit their
energies and purpose to the ministry of others; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend The Good News Foundation of Central New York Inc. upon the
occasion of its 25th Anniversary to be celebrated at an Open House on
Wednesday, June 21, 2017; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of this auspicious milestone, Bishop Robert
J. Cunningham will serve as a special guest speaker; and

WHEREAS, For 25 years, The Good News Foundation has diligently
worked to share the love of Jesus Christ through hospitality, spiritual
renewal and the support of parish and family life; and

WHEREAS, The Good News Foundation has strived to become a resource
for equipping and strengthening marriages and families in its community;
and

WHEREAS, Through the generosity of Leroy and Hazel Scheidelman, The
Good News Foundation was founded with the goal of spreading the
Christian gospel by public preaching or personal witness; for over a
decade, their daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth and Deacon John Droz
offered hospitality and spiritual renewal through numerous bible
studies, various programs, guest speakers and a luncheon series; and

WHEREAS, Upon Deacon John Droz's retirement in 2005, Mike Buckley
assumed the role of Executive Director and CEO; in this capacity, he and
The Good News Foundation remain true to its mission of evangelization by
focusing on supporting marriages and families; and

WHEREAS, The Good News Foundation offers peer support programs where
trained facilitators and mentors teach couples that healthier, happier
marriages start with self-awareness and self-change; the devoted members
of this vital organization truly believe in people helping people; and

WHEREAS, Marriage programs such as Retrouvaille and The Third Option
offer hope by enhancing current relationships, rebuilding hurtful
relationships, and preventing future programs by teaching couples and
individuals (generally in a group setting) the skills, attitudes and
behaviors needed to help them form and sustain healthy relationships and
marriages; and

WHEREAS, The success of The Good News Foundation is in direct
correlation to the efforts of its staff, whose involvement is, and
always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled

enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all
endeavors on behalf of the institution and the community it serves; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend The Good News Foundation of Central New York Inc. upon the
occasion of celebrating its 25th Anniversary on June 21, 2017; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Mike Buckley, Executive Director and CEO, The Good News
Foundation of Central New York Inc.