House Republican Press Release

October 24, 2006

Press Office: 860-240-8700

YMCA NAMES REP. CAFERO LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR

Cited for ‘Safe Haven Nights’ Program

NORWALK – State Rep. Lawrence F. Cafero Jr., the Norwalk Republican, has been named State Legislator of the Year by the Connecticut YMCA for his commitment to improving and expanding the organization’s ability to provide services to thousands of members, especially young people.

Cafero, the House Republican Deputy Leader, will be honored by the newly chosen YMCA national Executive Director Neil Nicoll at ceremony on Nov. 9 in Cromwell.

“No legislator has ever done as much for the YMCA as Larry Cafero,’’ said Norwalk YMCA CEO Debbie Greenwood. “He brought the business community and private sector together to raise awareness of the YMCA and real resources to make our organization a better, safe place for all our members, especially young people.’’

Greenwood said Cafero has been a tireless supporter of the YMCA and played a major role in helping the organization reach more and more urban and suburban youth through a variety of programs.

Greenwood specifically mentioned Cafero’s efforts to benefit the Safe Havens Night program that runs Saturday night and is a, “safe, fun environment for many, many young people.’’

Cafero said receiving the Legislator of the Year award from the national YMCA president was beyond his wildest dreams.

“This is certainly not something I ever expected, it’s quite humbling. I’m very proud to be associated with YMCA, it’s a terrific organization that does so much good work in our community and for surrounding towns,’’ Cafero said.

Only one other lawmaker was also honored, New Britain Democratic state Sen. Donald DeFronzo, Greenwood noted.

Cafero, Greenwood said, was instrumental in arranging a series of meetings at the YMCA with local business leaders to illustrate the need for the private sector to get involved and help make much needed improvements in the facility. Because of Cafero’s efforts, the YMCA was able to install heating and air conditioning units in the main gymnasium and painted the facility. “We were able to highlight the issues and the business community got behind the campaign and it all came together,’’ Cafero said

He thanked those that contributed to the cause and took a stakeholders’ position in a very important local organization that needed help.

 Now the gym houses Safe Haven Nights. There are more than 7,600 members who use the YMCA regularly.