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WHEREAS founded in 1963 by Marion Jordon and Florence Reizenstein, two Pittsburgh natives and members of the Urban League's Education Committee, the Negro Educational Emergency Drive or NEED began as a temporary effort to find funds for 76, African American, high school students who had been accepted to college but were in need of financial assistance; and
WHEREAS following its inception in 1963, the NEED program was able to quickly expand its efforts thanks to the generous assistance of various corporate, philanthropic, and community-based entities; and
WHEREAS over the past 44 years, NEED has succeeded in supporting over 17,000 deserving, college-bound, young people with $17 18 million in educational grants, while additionally assisting them with a number of mentoring and internship programs; and
WHEREAS on Wednesday, March 14th, 2007, beginning at 6:00 p.m., NEED will celebrate 44 years of successfully supporting Pittsburgh's African American, college-bound youth by hosting its 44th Annual NEED Benefit Dinner; and
WHEREAS the list of attractions at this event will include remarks from keynote speaker and host, Dr. Boyce Watkins, a famous author and educator, as well as the presentation of over 40 scholarships to the region's most promising, African American, high school seniors who are looking forward to pursuing their higher education goals.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby wish to congratulate and commend NEED for its vision and its achievements, both of which have assisted thousands of local, African American, young people in attaining their greatest potential, thereby enhancing not only their quality of life but also the economic and social wellbeing of the region.