Contact: Michael Fraser, (518) 455-3751/(518) 859-8518
Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,C,I-Canandaigua) will be awarded the "Happiness Is Helping" Humanitarian Award, which was created to recognize outstanding individuals dedicated to advocating for, and on behalf of, the disabled community. Leader Kolb will be presented with the award on February 7 at the Happiness House/Finger Lakes United Cerebral Palsy, Inc.'s 11th Annual Gala Dinner & Auction Event. This is a sold out event.
Leader Kolb's accomplishments have been consistent with the mission and vision of Happiness House. Last year he and the Assembly Minority Conference were vocal opponents of cuts in state funding for those with developmental disabilities, as was proposed in the 2013-2014 Executive Budget. Their unwavering commitment on behalf of the disabled community resulted in the full restoration of $90 million for programs and services in the final State Budget agreement.
"For years I have advocated for adequate funding to care for the disabled community. As elected representatives, it is our job to ensure every New Yorker's fundamental well-being and I am proud to have fought for the disabled community. I am honored to receive this award and I will continue to work tirelessly to make sure our most vulnerable population have a strong voice in Albany and continue to receive the critical resources they need," said Leader Kolb.
Mary Walsh Boatfield: Happiness House CEO stated, "We are so pleased to recognize Assembly Minority Leader Kolb for his advocacy and support for all those in need in our communities. He is a good friend to Happiness House and is truly deserving of the "Happiness Is Helping" Humanitarian Award. This award is the highest honor given out by our organization."
Leader Kolb was instrumental in helping Happiness House secure more than $3.8 million to construct a 20,000 square foot, affordable living option for individuals with and without disabilities in Canandaigua.
Happiness House-Finger Lakes Cerebral Palsy Association, Inc. is a private, nonprofit health and human service agency that has been serving communities in the Finger Lakes region in Upstate New York since 1969. Today with sites in Geneva, Canandaigua, Gorham, South Seneca and Waterloo, Happiness House offers an array of educational programs, recreational, residential and family support services for children and adults with and without disabilities who reside in Ontario, Seneca, Wayne, and Yates counties. On average Happiness House serves 1,150 individuals and their families each year.