Honor Hope House Anniversary

Senate Resolution No. 2464 BY: Senator GRIFFO COMMENDING Hope House upon the occasion of celebrating its 25th Anniversary on June 3, 2017 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 Hope House upon the occasion of its 25th Anniversary to be feted at a Celebration on Saturday, June 3, 2017, at the Fort Schuyler Club in Utica, New York; and WHEREAS, In addition, this monumental milestone will be recognized with a myriad of other events including a Groundbreaking Ceremony for its new addition at its new home on the corner of South Street and Steuben Street on Monday, May 29, 2017; a Pancake Breakfast on Tuesday,

May 30, 2017; its Annual Volunteer Dinner on Wednesday, May 31, 2017; an Ice Cream Social on Thursday, June 1, 2017; and a Special Dinner on Friday, June 2, 2017; and WHEREAS, In the early 1990s, a local priest realized there were numerous hungry people in the City of Utica; on Memorial Day of 1992, Hope House opened its doors to the public for the first time; and WHEREAS, Since then, this vital organization has offered thousands of homeless or needy individuals in the City of Utica, New York, and its surrounding communities, a daytime opportunity for shelter, a hot, nutritious meal, and referral, if desired, to any needed human service; and WHEREAS, In its early years, Hope House served 7,000 meals a year; today, Hope House provides 90,000 meals per year; and WHEREAS, Hope House also strives to create a safe environment for people to not only eat a good meal, but also sit and relax in a warm and caring sanctuary; the staff at Hope House truly hopes its visitors become self-sufficient and improve their quality of life; and WHEREAS, The success of Hope Hope is in direct correlation to the efforts of its management, staff, 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 this organization and the communities it serves; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who 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 Hope House upon the occasion of celebrating its 25th Anniversary on June 3, 2017; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Hope House.