LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Saundra Thomas upon the occasion of
her designation for special recognition by the Neighborhood Technical
Assistance Clinic on July 1, 2009

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to take note of and
publicly acknowledge those exemplary individuals whose purposeful lives
and distinguished careers have been committed to bettering the quality
of life in this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Saundra Thomas upon the occasion of her designation for special recogni-
tion by the Neighborhood Technical Assistance Clinic; and
WHEREAS, Saundra Thomas will be honored by the Neighborhood Technical
Assistance Clinic at its 11th Anniversary Celebration, a salute to New
York City's nonprofits and the neighborhoods they serve, to be held on
Wednesday, July 1, 2009, at Steiner Studios 6, Brooklyn Navy Yard,
Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, A woman of singular distinction, Saundra Thomas has contin-
ually demonstrated extreme competence, extraordinary intelligence and
diligent leadership in her unwavering service to her community and
profession and consequently has been selected to receive this most pres-
tigious accolade; and
WHEREAS, As WABC-TV's Vice President of Community Affairs, Saundra
Thomas coordinates all public service programming, community outreach,
and station projects; and
WHEREAS, In this capacity, Saundra Thomas also acts as a liaison
between the public and the station and recommends news and programming
coverage of important topics; additionally, she is responsible for all
the station's philanthropic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Prior to this position, Saundra Thomas was a writer-producer
in WABC-TV's Creative Services Department where she wrote, produced, and
edited on-air topical promotion for Eyewitness News, and award-winning
ABC7 special programs such as "Protect Our Children," "Above and
Beyond," "McDonald's GospelFest" and the "Newsday Marching Band
Festival"; and
WHEREAS, Saundra Thomas began her broadcasting career as an assistant
in the Traffic Department of what is formerly known as WWOR-TV; and
WHEREAS, Despite her busy professional life, Saundra Thomas has been
called upon to contribute her time and talents to countless endeavors
and has always given of herself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Saundra Thomas has been involved with numerous organizations
including, Women In Need, The Fresh Air Fund and New York Cares; she has
been a Trustee of St. Phillip's Academy in Newark and currently is the
President of the Global Action Project Board of Directors; she is also
the Vice President of the West Side Chamber of Commerce; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her service, a period of
constructive involvement, Saundra Thomas has stood constant in dignity,
good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of her efforts of in-depth magnitude, Saundra
Thomas has been the recipient of numerous awards; she recently received
the Black Achievers In Industry Award from the Harlem YMCA, the 2003
Madam CJ Walker Award from Community Directed Ownership, the Corporate
Angel Award from Protestant Board of Guardians, Excellence in Education
honor from the Support Network and corporate honors from the Education
and Assistance Corporation; and

WHEREAS, A native of Boston, Massachusetts, Saundra Thomas earned a
Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University and a Master of Arts
degree in Media Studies from the New School; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Saundra Thomas has displayed
throughout her life; 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; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Saundra Thomas upon the occasion of her designation for special
recognition by the Neighborhood Technical Assistance Clinic on July 1,
2009; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Saundra Thomas.