LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Mary C. Sansone upon the occasion of
her designation for special recognition as honoree of the Ralph J.
Sansone Foundation

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding individuals whose professional lives, personal endeavors and
community service are an example and inspiration to their colleagues,
friends, and family; and
WHEREAS, Mary C. Sansone has given not only of her time and energies
but also of her competence, intelligence and leadership, and consequent-
ly has been designated for special recognition; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Mary C. Sansone upon the occasion of her designation for special recog-
nition as honoree of the Ralph J. Sansone Foundation; this auspicious
occasion will be celebrated at the Foundation's 23rd Annual Scholarship
Dinner, to be held on Wednesday, June 24, 2009, at Sirico's, 8015 13th
Avenue, Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Mary Crisalli Sansone
worked in the Social Services Department of the American Red Cross
during World War II; after the war, she organized American medical aid
to Italy and traveled for the United Nations Appeal for Children to
raise funds for the orphans of Europe; and
WHEREAS, Mary C. Sansone is a founder and organizer of the Congress of
Italian-Americans Organization, Inc. (CIAO), a coalition organization of
African-Americans, Latinos and Italians, committed to fostering racial
harmony; CIAO supports all causes that strengthen human rights; and
WHEREAS, CIAO's Executive Director since 1970, Mary C. Sansone has
developed 22 programs for CIAO geared toward assisting people regardless
of race, color or creed; and
WHEREAS, On the 50th anniversary of the executions of Sacco and
Vanzetti, Mary C. Sansone was responsible for organizing an alliance
which successfully urged the governor of Massachusetts to review the
case, resulting in an official Proclamation reminding all civilized
people of the constant need to guard against prejudice and intolerance;
and
WHEREAS, In addition, in 1988, Mary C. Sansone and a number of citi-
zens concerned about racial harmony in New York City formed the Communi-
ty, Understanding, for Racial and Ethnic Equality (C.U.R.E.) organiza-
tion; she is also on the Advisory Board of both the New York State
Division of Human Rights and Division of Women; and
WHEREAS, Married in 1949 to Zachary, together Mary and Zachary Sansone
are the proud parents of two children, Carmela and Ralph; they have two
beloved grandchildren, Gene-Paul and Zachary; and
WHEREAS, An inspiration to many of her fellow citizens who are grate-
ful for all she has given, the Ralph J. Sansone Foundation is honoring
Mary C. Sansone for her dedication and personal contributions to the
community; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Mary C. Sansone has displayed
throughout her life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Mary C. Sansone upon the occasion of her designation for special
recognition by the Ralph J. Sansone Foundation; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Mary C. Sansone.