LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Rachel Lee Davis upon the occasion of
her designation for special recognition by Benincasa Family Services on
April 17, 2010

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to recognize and pay tribute to
those individuals of firm belief and commitment who have devoted their
purposeful lives to the service of faith and community; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Rachel Lee Davis upon the occasion of her designation for special recog-
nition by Benincasa Family Services at its Annual "Partners in Mission,
Spirit and Hope Breakfast" to be held on Saturday, April 17, 2010, at
the Woodbury Country Club; and
WHEREAS, Rachel Lee Davis has continually demonstrated extreme compe-
tence, extraordinary intelligence and diligent leadership in her unwav-
ering service to both her community and Benincasa Family Services; and
WHEREAS, Born in Mississippi, Rachel Lee Davis earned her Bachelor's
degree from Alcorn College; she later received her Masters in Secondary
Education from New York University; she devoted her career to the educa-
tion of young adults and has many local and state awards for her distin-
guished service; and
WHEREAS, Despite her busy professional life, Rachel Lee Davis has been
called upon to contribute her time and talents to countless civic and
charitable endeavors and has always given of herself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, In 1988, Rachel Lee Davis was appointed to the Suffolk County
Human Rights Commission; she also has an impressive record of service to
the American Cancer Society, Muscular Dystrophy Foundation, Heart and
Diabetes Association, Uganda Children's "Tour of Light" Aids Awareness,
The Witness Project L.I., and Breast Cancer in African American Women,
L.I.; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Rachel Lee Davis is a Trustee of SUNY, Old West-
bury College Foundation and Stillman College, Tuscaloosa, Alabama; she
has also Chaired or served as an officer for numerous Long Island organ-
izations including: The Suffolk County Women's Advisory Commission;
Sigma Psi Omega; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority; National Coalition of 100
Black Women, Suffolk County; and NAACP Central LI Branch; and
WHEREAS, Inspired by her late husband, Bernard, Rachel Lee Davis has
forever committed herself to support the Dominican Sisters of Amity-
ville; she was invited to join the founding Board of the Benincasa Fami-
ly Services and served as Chair from 1998 through 2009; during this
time, she was a gracious, gentle and loyal leader guiding Benincasa
through many hurdles as the young corporation tried to establish itself;
today, she continues to be a true and faithful friend to this illustri-
ous organization; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of her efforts of in-depth magnitude, Rachel
Lee Davis has received numerous awards and accolades; she is the recipi-
ent of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Meritorious Service
Award and the 2009 Outstanding Political Award for Political Advocacy
Volunteer Work in Suffolk County; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Rachel Lee Davis has been designated A Leader
Making a Difference by the American Diabetes Association, a Partner in
Preaching Leadership by the Dominican Sisters of Amityville, and an
Outstanding Woman in the Town of Babylon; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Rachel Lee Davis has stood constant
in dignity, good grace and humor; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Rachel Lee Davis 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 Rachel Lee Davis upon the occasion of her designation for
special recognition by Benincasa Family Services on April 17, 2010; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Rachel Lee Davis.