J 824: Commending the Rome Community Foundation upon the occasion of celebrating its 25th Anniversary

 Senate Resolution No. 824 BY: Senator GRIFFO COMMENDING the Rome Community Foundation upon the occasion of celebrating its 25th Anniversary WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to those organizations of high purpose and worthy accomplishment whose endeavors have faithfully served the welfare of the citizens of the 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 commend the Rome Community Foundation upon the occasion of celebrating its 25th Anniversary at its Community Celebration at the Capitol Arts Complex in Rome, New York, on Wednesday, May 21, 2025; and WHEREAS, In 2000, the Rome Community Foundation commenced its operations to support specific capital funding requirements of charitable organizations in the Greater Rome area; the Foundation currently manages more than $8 million, which has been donated over the years by individuals and organizations, and the interest from those investments is permanently available for the approval of grants to eligible charities; and WHEREAS, The concept of the Rome Community Foundation was to provide individuals and groups with a method for making charitable gifts or bequests of permanently endowed funds; income generated from investment of the endowments is used at the discretion of the Foundation's Board of Directors for the benefit of the Rome area; and WHEREAS, Additionally, the Rome Community Foundation has both philanthropic and charitable responsibilities; meeting charitable needs in the Rome community is the responsibility of the elected members of the Foundation's Board of Directors; and WHEREAS, The Foundation offers potential donors an opportunity for charitable giving with the knowledge that money given to it will be invested and the income distributed for the betterment of the Rome community and its vicinity; decisions for grants are made locally, focusing on the particular and unique needs of the Rome area; and WHEREAS, Since its inception, the Rome Community Foundation has been a trusted and professional management organization, disbursing funding to charities after careful review and wise planning, contributing to the community, and investing in the future generations of Rome, New York; 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 Rome Community Foundation, upon the occasion of celebrating its 25th Anniversary, and to honor its members, past and present, who have labored so conscientiously to secure and improve the quality of life for the members of the community; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Rome Community Foundation.