Senate Resolution No. 3693

BY: Senator JACOBS

COMMEMORATING the 31st Annual Jerry Starr Ken-Ton
Schools' SleepOut on February 2, 2018

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
organizations and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare
of the community and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 31st Annual Jerry Starr Ken-Ton Schools' SleepOut on
Friday, February 2, 2018, at Hoover Middle School, Tonawanda, New York;
and

WHEREAS, For more than three decades, Ken-Ton School District
students, staff and members of the community sleep outside in
refrigerator boxes to raise money for local organizations including the
Ken-Ton Closet, South Buffalo Community Table, and the Kenmore-Town of
Tonawanda UFSD Family Support Center; and

WHEREAS, The first SleepOut was organized in 1988 by the late Samuel
"Jerry" Starr, a longtime teacher at Kenmore West High School, as well
as his colleagues, Steve Ash and Charles Kohler; the name of the event
was later changed to honor Starr, who was renowned for always putting
the needs of others before himself; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception, the SleepOut has raised approximately
one million dollars for local organizations along with numerous
donations of food, clothing and other items; and

WHEREAS, Through the tireless efforts of Steve Ash and his
organization, Educators Totally Committed (ETC), the SleepOut has made a
difference in the lives of countless people in the community; in
addition to coordinating this vital event, ETC advocates for making the
first Friday of February a worldwide day which emphasizes awareness,
commitment and action for those in need; and

WHEREAS, Over its distinguished 31-year history, the Jerry Starr
Ken-Ton Schools' SleepOut has demonstrated continuous service to the
residents and communities which it serves; and

WHEREAS, The success of the Jerry Starr Ken-Ton Schools' SleepOut is
in direct correlation to the efforts of its participants and volunteers,
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 organization
and the community it serves; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals and 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
commemorate the 31st Annual Jerry Starr Ken-Ton Schools' SleepOut on
February 2, 2018; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Steve Ash, Educators Totally Committed.