LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating M. Christian Bender upon the occa-
sion of his designation as a recipient of the Champions for Children of
the Capital Region Award by the Northeast Parent and Child Society

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are enhanced by the concerned and dedicated efforts of business organ-
izations and individuals that generously contribute to the welfare of
the community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late M. Christian Bender upon the occasion of its designation as a
recipient of the Champions for Children of the Capital Region Award by
the Northeast Parent and Child Society; this auspicious occasion will be
celebrated on Tuesday, May 4, 2010, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Troy,
New York; and
WHEREAS, The Northeast Parent and Child Society was formed on July 1,
1983, through the consolidation of the Children's Home of Schenectady
and Parkhurst Parent and Child Center; and
WHEREAS, The vision of the Northeast Parent and Child Society for
America is a country where every child is healthy, safe, and thriving;
where all children develop to their potential, supported by family and
community; where all children are nurtured, getting what they need to
succeed; and where all children grow into responsible adults who are
able to make positive contributions to family and society; its mission
is protecting children, preserving families, and strengthening the
communities it serves; and
WHEREAS, The most important assets of the Northeast Parent and Child
Society are: the thousands of children and families it loves, serves,
and learns from everyday; the inspired vision and community leadership
provided by its Board of Directors; the professional ability and self-
less dedication of its staff and foster parents; the compassion and
generosity of community friends, donors, and volunteers; and its ongoing
partnerships with government agencies, community leaders, and child
advocacy organizations in meeting the needs of those it exists to serve;
and
WHEREAS, The goal of the Northeast Parent and Child Society is to
leave no child behind; its solution is to create a caring, supportive
community; and its secret to success is its community partnerships; and
WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of its President and Chief Execu-
tive Officer, John E. Henley, the Northeast Parent and Child Society
supports award winning programs that provide for the healing, guidance,
and support of the children of the community; and
WHEREAS, The Champions for Children of the Capital Region awards
presented by the Northeast Parent and Child Society recognize the posi-
tive impact of the recipients on the community; these champions are the
organizations, businesses, individuals and youth who make lives safer
and futures brighter through steadfast commitment and generosity; and
WHEREAS, M. Christian Bender is Executive Director of the Brighter
Choice Foundation, a nonprofit foundation which supports the operation
of 11 charter schools in Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, A member of the boards of trustees of the New York Charter
Schools Association, The Albany Academies, and the Bender Family Founda-
tion, M. Christian Bender is also a committee member of the College
Affairs Committee of the Albany Medical College; and
WHEREAS, M. Christian Bender is the Chairman of the boards of trustees
of the Achievement Academy Charter School and the founding Chairman of

Green Tech High Charter School, an all male high school opened in Albany
in 2008; additionally, he serves as Vice Chairman of the four Brighter
Choice Charter Schools; and
WHEREAS, Previously employed by Austin and Company, an insurance
brokerage, where he established insurance programs for charter schools
and independent schools across New York State, M. Christian Bender holds
a Master's degree in Educational Administration from Columbia University
Teachers College, a Bachelor's Degree in History from Rollins College,
and is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America; 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 recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire
State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate M. Christian Bender upon the occasion of his designation as
a recipient of Champions for Children of the Capital Region Award by the
Northeast Parent and Child Society; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to M. Christian Bender.