The New York State Senate

J1000

Senate Resolution No. 1000

BY: Senator LANZA

COMMEMORATING the 10th Anniversary of the Minty
Awards

WHEREAS, The arts, in whatever form depicted, are central to human
expression; they are truly a universal language and their contribution
to the development of friendship and understanding among all peoples
cannot be overestimated; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those illustrious organizations that have brought entertainment
and cultural enrichment to the citizens of the great State of New York;
and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the Minty Awards, to be celebrated
on Sunday, August 8, 2021, at the St. George Theatre and will feature
legendary cast reunions and special alumni performances; and

WHEREAS, The Minty Awards was created under Minto Entertainment by
Michael J. Pinto, Esq. in October of 2010; its first Minty Awards
ceremony was held on June 5, 2011, at the Snug Harbor Music Hall, with
Msgr. Farrell, St. John Villa, St. Joseph Hill, St. Joseph by-the-Sea,
and St. Peter's Boys participating; and

WHEREAS, In 2012, the Minty Awards outgrew its home at Snug Harbor
and moved to its permanent home, the historic St. George Theatre; and

WHEREAS, One year later, in an effort to grow and expand its
mission, the Minty Organization for the Performing Arts Inc. was formed
to honor the sacrifice and dedication of students in the Dramatic Arts
Programs of the Staten Island High Schools; and

WHEREAS, This vital organization aims to promote these programs,
performers, and all who support them through The Minty Awards, master
classes, and other workshops focusing on the Fine Arts; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, the Minty Awards is the preeminent high school
theater annual awards ceremony, bringing together Staten Island's
aspiring performers for a spectacular celebration of the performing
arts; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to its
community, over the last ten years, the Minty Organization has donated
$100,000 to local schools' Performing Arts Departments; and

WHEREAS, Remaining true to its mission to not only to support the
present but also to recognize the future, the Minty Organization hosted
its first awards gala in January 2014, where Carl W. Lesch was
posthumously honored as the Father of Staten Island High School Theatre;
the organization's Educator of the Arts Award was officially renamed to
the Carl W. Lesch Memorial Award for Educator of the Arts; and

WHEREAS, In 2015, the Minty Organization expanded its educational
program offerings to include audition workshops and master classes to
high school students; over the last six years, these programs have been
led by Broadway and industry professionals, training local high school
students for success in college and beyond; and

WHEREAS, Additionally, the Monsignor Joseph C. Ansaldi Memorial
Prize was established in 2015 to pay tribute to the organization's late
chaplain; the Prize is given annually to high school students who
exemplify the mission of the Minty Awards: talent, dedication, and
faith; and

WHEREAS, The success of the Minty Organization for the Performing
Arts is in direct correlation to the efforts of its dedicated members
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 most fitting that we take time to celebrate the arts
of our Nation, to honor our artists, and to express our appreciation to
everyone who patronizes the arts; and as we celebrate the arts, we
celebrate and give thanks to our American freedom, the only atmosphere
in which artists can truly create and in which art is truly the
expression of the soul; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the Minty Awards; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Minty Organization for the Performing Arts.