Honor Karate Program Anniversary

June 13, 2019 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to honor those enduring organizations which faithfully devote their resources and purposeful energies to fostering opportunities and contributing to the quality of life for the residents of the communities they serve; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend the CAMBA Beacon Karate Program upon the occasion of its 25th Anniversary, to be celebrated at an Event on Thursday, June 13, 2019, at PS 361 in Brooklyn, New York; and WHEREAS, Founded in 1977, CAMBA is a non-profit agency which provides services that connect people with opportunities to enhance their quality of life; and WHEREAS, CAMBA is a community of clients, staff, volunteers, donors, neighbors and partners who work together to build an inclusive New York City, where all children and adults have access to the resources and support they need to thrive; and WHEREAS, In 1994, Rocco Lombardo and the CAMBA Directors established its karate program in the hopes of inspiring students to strive to do more for themselves and their community; and WHEREAS, Through hard work, due diligence and support from instructors and CAMBA, many students have achieved the prestigious rank of Black Belt, some of whom went on to become prominent members of society, holding various positions such as police and correction officers, active military personnel, veterans, public servants, social workers, counselors and even karate Instructors; many of the alumni reflect back on their time in the program as a lifeline that saved them from the streets and changed their lives forever; and WHEREAS, The success of the CAMBA Beacon Karate Program is in direct correlation to the efforts of its Instructors, Chris DePrado, 6th Degree Black Belt, and Stanley Vixander, 2nd Degree Black Belt, and 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 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 commend the CAMBA Beacon Karate Program upon the occasion of celebrating its 25th Anniversary on June 13, 2019; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Chris DePrado and Stanley Vixander, Instructors, CAMBA Beacon Karate Program.