SENATE MEMORIAL 34

53rd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2017

INTRODUCED BY

Mary Kay Papen

A MEMORIAL

DECLARING JANUARY 31, 2017 "NEW MEXICO CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION DAY" IN THE SENATE AND CELEBRATING THE FOUNDATION'S TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY.

     WHEREAS, New Mexico residents are blessed to live in a state that ranks in the top tier for the beauty of its landscapes, the richness of its culture and the natural resources of its lands; and

     WHEREAS, too many of New Mexico's youngest residents do not have the opportunity to live safe and healthy lives with bright futures; and

     WHEREAS, the New Mexico children's foundation strives to improve the lives of children; and

     WHEREAS, former first lady Alice King, wife of former Governor Bruce King, created the New Mexico children's foundation in 1992 because of her unfailing resolve to support and nurture New Mexico's children; and

     WHEREAS, the mission of the New Mexico children's foundation is to support small programs statewide that serve the physical, mental, educational and social needs of children and their families and to improve the lives of children and their families; and

     WHEREAS, the New Mexico children's foundation is celebrating its twenty-fifth year as a visionary, nonprofit, grassroots organization that provides meaningful grants to nonprofit children's organizations throughout New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, the New Mexico children's foundation has contributed over one million five hundred thousand dollars ($1,500,000) in small grants to more than one hundred fifty nonprofit organizations throughout the state; and

     WHEREAS, the foundation's grants have supported programs that deal with suicide prevention; support for families and children who are grieving the loss of a loved one; court-appointed special advocates who represent children in foster care; summer camps for children impacted by human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immune deficiency syndrome; and summer programs for rural communities; and

     WHEREAS, the New Mexico children's foundation provides basic necessities such as shoes; back-to-school supplies; emergency shelter for children and families; after-school programs that provide a safe and nurturing environment; science programs that complement school programs; libraries in rural areas; literacy programs for children and families; and many other programs that enrich the lives of children and their families; and

     WHEREAS, the board of directors of the New Mexico children's foundation works tirelessly to raise money through private donations and special events;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the New Mexico children's foundation be recognized on its twenty-fifth anniversary for its tireless efforts on behalf of the children and families of New Mexico; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that January 31, 2017 be declared "New Mexico Children's Foundation Day" in the senate; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the board chair of the New Mexico children's foundation.

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