LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Ben Gordon upon the occasion of his
designation for special honor by The Guidance Center on June 10, 2009

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to take note of and
publicly acknowledge individuals of remarkable integrity and character
who have inspired and brought pride to our majestic Empire State with
their strong contributions to the community and model citizenship; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Ben Gordon upon the occasion of his designation for special honor by The
Guidance Center at its Annual Gala on June 10, 2009, at the Glen Island
Harbour Club in New Rochelle, New York; and
WHEREAS, Number 7 on the Chicago Bulls, Ben Gordon understands the
dedication and hard work that is required to perform at an optimum
level, both on and off the court, and embodies this by consistently
reinventing himself at a professional and personal level; and
WHEREAS, A graduate of Mount Vernon High School, Ben Gordon led the
Basketball Team to a perfect 28-0 record during his junior year; during
his three-year career at the University of Connecticut, he never missed
a game and helped lead the Huskies to the NCAA Championship; and
WHEREAS, Ben Gordon entered the National Basketball Association
following his junior season and was drafted third overall by the Chicago
Bulls; he proceeded to make history by becoming the first rookie to win
the Sixth Man Award; and
WHEREAS, Dedicated to giving back to those less fortunate, Ben Gordon
organizes an annual "Ben Gordon Weekend" celebration in his hometown of
Mount Vernon; he also established the New Life Foundation and is the
spokesperson for the Chicago Bulls EnergizaBulls Fitness Program; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity to
express its highest admiration for Ben Gordon and to wish him continued
success in all of his future endeavors; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Ben Gordon upon the occasion of his designation for special
honor by The Guidance Center on June 10, 2009; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Ben Gordon.