[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 74 (Thursday, May 23, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E753]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING STEVE PATERNOSTER

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 23, 2013

  Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise to 
honor Steve Paternoster, who was recently selected as the National 
Restaurant Association's 2013 Cornerstone Humanitarian of the Year for 
his extraordinary contributions to his community and for his 
philanthropic service to others. Steve has selflessly dedicated his 
life to improving the lives of countless New Mexicans. An alumnus of 
New Mexico Military Institute, Steve now serves as CEO of the YMCA of 
Central New Mexico and is the owner of a successful restaurant. From 
donating about $200,000 annually through his business to serving on 
local non-profit boards, he focuses on organizations that support 
chronic disease, the less fortunate, young adults at risk and the arts.
  In 2009, Steve and his daughter Haley founded the Special Programs 
Youth Assistance Foundation to help troubled arid disadvantaged youth 
in New Mexico, including those in Children's Drug Court and those 
suffering from domestic abuse. After losing Haley to a heroin overdose 
in 2010, Steve has made it his life's mission to help others overcome 
obstacles similar to those Haley and the Paternoster family faced. 
Steve also hosts an annual holiday dinner at his restaurant for 
troubled teenagers, their families, Court staff and their families.
  Steve works closely with many other causes including Isshin Ryu, a 
non-profit organization designed to provide education, recreation and 
enrichment activities to disadvantaged youth. He also works with the 
Heart Gallery of New Mexico Foundation, which helps hard-to-place 
children in foster homes. Additionally, Steve is involved with New 
Mexico AIDS Services, the American Heart Association, the American 
Stroke Association, the Heart Hospital of New Mexico Foundation and 
Dismas House, which provides support for people with chronic illnesses.
  I congratulate Steve on receiving this prestigious award and thank 
him for his hard work and for the many contributions he has made and 
will continue to make to New Mexico.

                          ____________________