Senate Resolution No. 3969

BY: Senator ADDABBO

COMMENDING New York Families for Autistic Children
upon the occasion of celebrating its 20th
Anniversary, and paying tribute to this year's
honorees on March 1, 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
commend New York Families for Autistic Children upon the occasion of its
20th Anniversary, and to pay tribute to this year's honorees; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious milestone will be celebrated at its Annual
Dinner Dance and Awards Celebration in Loving Memory of Ruth Cirello on
Thursday, March 1, 2018, at Russo's on the Bay in Howard Beach, New
York; and

WHEREAS, This year's exceptional honorees include Stacey Pheffer
Amato, Dr. Tracie Keesee, Theresa Shortell, Joseph Joyce, Alison Singer,
and Anthony and Kathee Italico; and

WHEREAS, New York Families for Autistic Children (NYFAC) was founded
in 1998 by current President and CEO Andrew Baumann and his wife Pamela,
along with a small group of individuals to give families the help and
support they need to deal with this lifelong developmental disability;
and

WHEREAS, Since its inception, NYFAC has strived to motivate and
inspire individuals diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, and
their families, to live life to the fullest by providing various
support, education, recreational and socialization programs; and

WHEREAS, In 2013, NYFAC supported 30,000 families, whether it be in
their homes, schools, communities or in one of its facilities; today,
this vital organization provides over 20 programs to the many families
it serves; and

WHEREAS, The success of NYFAC is in direct correlation to the
efforts of its staff of 180 employees, 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 those
organizations which enhance the well-being and vitality of their
community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to excellence
certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend New York Families for Autistic Children upon the occasion of
celebrating its 20th Anniversary, and to pay tribute to this year's
honorees on March 1, 2018; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Andrew Baumann, President and CEO, New York Families for
Autistic Children.