Senators Scott, Thomas, Clark-Coleman, Clarke and Leland offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 135.

            A resolution commemorating the 24th Annual Metro Detroit Youth Day.

            Whereas, The 24th Annual Metro Detroit Youth Day, sponsored by General Motors, Spartan Stores, Inc., Ford Motor Company, Pepsi-Cola Company, the Detroit Free Press, Toyota USA, Volkswagen, AT&T, McDonald’s, Sam’s Club, Greektown Casino, Big Boy Restaurants, Kroger Food Stores, the Michigan Food & Beverage Association, Wendy’s International, the Detroit Lions, the Detroit Pistons, the Detroit Tigers, Compuware, BT Auto, DTE Energy, the Detroit Recreation Department, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Michigan, Cingular Wireless, Wayne County Park Systems, Fairlane Town Center, WDIV-TV, WWJ Newsradio 950, Penske Corporation, the Archdiocese of Detroit, Health Alliance Plan, Target Stores, and many other sponsors including food and beverage firms and more than 190 community and youth organizations--all who recognize that leisure and recreation are basic human needs and that youth must use this time wisely to improve the quality of their lives and life’s disciplines--will be held on July 12, 2006, at Belle Isle’s Athletic Field in Detroit; and

            Whereas, Metro Detroit Youth Day, the largest youth event in Michigan, emphasizes the need for physical education facilities and fitness with the need for good sportsmanship; and

            Whereas, It is acknowledged that the youth are a valuable asset to our communities and the foundation of our future; and

            Whereas, Metro Detroit Youth Day is intended to bring together the community and the private sector to enhance relationships and improve cooperation and harmony in our communities; and

            Whereas, Metro Detroit Youth Day provides an opportunity for youth to participate in constructive activities outside their immediate home areas, working with other youngsters and numerous volunteers; and

            Whereas, Community groups such as the NAACP, Detroit Urban League, Salvation Army, Boys and Girls Clubs, Boy Scouts, Girls Scouts, YMCA, YWCA, Focus: HOPE, United Way for Southeastern Michigan, Special Olympics, Detroit Police Cadets, New Detroit, Inc., and many others are participating as co-sponsors; and

            Whereas, Outstanding and dedicated community leaders which include Ed Deeb of the Michigan Food & Beverage Association; Dr. Tom Moss, retired Detroit police chief; Keith Bennett of Goodwill Industries; Charles Beckham of the Detroit Recreation Department; Sergeant Curtis Perry of Detroit Police Cadets; and Dr. Lynne Boyle of the Kiwanis Club are co-chairing this event, along with more than 900 volunteers supervising the 29,000 youths who are expected to attend; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we hereby proclaim Wednesday, July 12, 2006, as Metro Detroit Youth Day in Michigan; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the organizers of this event as evidence of our esteem for their dedication and commitment to the youth of Metro Detroit.