Assembly Resolution No. 261

BY: M. of A. Burdick

        COMMEMORATING  the  40th  Anniversary  of the LOFT
        LGBTQ+ Community Center in White Plains, New York

  WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize  the
profound  impact  of those exemplary organizations and events within the
great State of New York which proactively work toward the empowerment of
minority communities, and the importance of such work which benefits all
citizens of this State, and indeed, all citizens of the  Nation,  should
be rightfully commended; and

  WHEREAS,  Attendant  to  such  concern  and  in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this  Legislative  Body  is  justly  proud  to
commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center, to
be  celebrated  at  its  Annual  Gala  on Friday, September 22, 2023, at
Mamaroneck Beach & Yacht Club, Mamaroneck, New York; and

  WHEREAS,  The  LOFT  LGBTQ+  Community  Center   is   a   non-profit
institution  which provides a range of services for the LGBTQ+ community
in Westchester County, New York, and the Lower Hudson Valley Region; and

  WHEREAS,  The  LOFT  offers  both  in-person,  virtual,  and  hybrid
services,   support  groups,  social  activities,  and  special  events,
including Westchester Pride and the Hudson Valley TransForum, as well as
the Trans Support of the Hudson Valley (TSHV),  a  program  designed  to
assist  and  empower  TGNCNB  communities across the lower Hudson Valley
region; and

  WHEREAS, The LOFT was founded in 1983 and is  currently  located  on
Bryant Avenue in White Plains, New York; and

  WHEREAS,  Remaining true to its core values of respect, inclusivity,
opportunity and integrity, the LOFT  provides  a  safe  space  in  which
everyone  is  respected,  supported,  and valued; this vital institution
also  ensures  an  inclusive  and  affirming  environment,  and  fosters
awareness of issues which affect all members of its community; and

  WHEREAS, Furthermore, the LOFT steadfastly fulfills its mission with
dedication   and   vigilance,   advocating  for  justice  and  positive,
progressive change for all LGBTQ+ people; and

  WHEREAS, Over  its  distinguished  40-year  history,  the  LOFT  has
demonstrated  continuous  service to the residents and communities which
it serves; and

  WHEREAS, The success of the LOFT is in  direct  correlation  to  the
efforts of its dedicated staff and Board of Directors, 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,  This  auspicious occasion presents an opportunity for this
Legislative Body to  recognize  and  pay  tribute  to  the  LOFT  LGBTQ+
Community Center; and

  WHEREAS,  Our society is greatly benefited by the purposeful efforts
of individuals who unite for the cause of improving the quality of  life
for others, and who proactively work toward the goal of dignity for all;
now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED,  That  this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center  in
White Plains, New York; and be it further

  RESOLVED,  That  a  copy  of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center, White Plains, New York.