Senate Resolution No. 424 BY: Senator PARKER HONORING Branden Baskin of Vivid Imagination, Inc. upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Business Award by Stuy Park Lions Club, Inc. on February 17, 2023 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and honor those distinguished citizens who would devote their life's work and purpose to community service, contributing to the welfare of the citizens of their communities and this great Empire State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Branden Baskin upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Business Award by Stuy Park Lions Club, Inc. to be celebrated at its 30th Annual Pearl Red and White Gala on Friday, February 17, 2023, at Antun's, Queens Village, New York; and WHEREAS, The Stuy Park Lions Club is part of Lions Clubs International, one of the largest service organizations in the world, and is deeply committed to meeting the challenges of public service; and WHEREAS, Branden Baskin is the founder and CEO of Vivid Imagination, Inc., a New York City based technology education company that is leveraging augmented reality, virtual reality, 3D Modeling, and E-Sports to make STEM education more engaging, and thus more equitable for students of all ages; and WHEREAS, Branden Baskin is a dedicated entrepreneur who is constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible; he fearlessly leads the ever-growing Vivid Imagination team of 25, including administrators, facilitators, and curriculum developers, to ensure high-quality learning experiences for students across New York City; and WHEREAS, Currently, under the luminous leadership of Branden Baskin, Vivid Imagination serves more than 3,000 students in 12 school districts throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, The Bronx, and Queens; to date, his company has secured over $1,000,000 in grants and funding for student-led projects in the Metaverse; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which Branden Baskin has displayed throughout his life; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals 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 honor Branden Baskin of Vivid Imagination, Inc. upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Business Award by Stuy Park Lions Club, Inc.; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Branden Baskin.