LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Dr. Theodora S. Budnik upon the
occasion of her designation for special recognition as recipient of the
Serena Branson Award by the Boards of the Astor Home for Children and
Astor Home for Children 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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late Dr. Theodora S. Budnik upon the occasion of her designation for
special recognition as recipient of the Serena Branson Award by the
Boards of the Astor Home for Children and Astor Home for Children Foun-
dation; this auspicious occasion will be celebrated at the Boards'
Eighth Annual Benefit Dinner, to be held on Friday, May 1, 2009, at
Locust Grove, The Samuel Morse Historic Site, in Poughkeepsie, New York;
and
WHEREAS, Dr. Theodora S. Budnik's commitment to children and families
is evident from her volunteer activities and professionalism in the
health care profession; she served on the Boards of the Astor Home for
Children and Astor Home for Children Foundation for 15 years from 1990
through 2005; and
WHEREAS, During her tenure on the Astor Boards, Dr. Theodora S. Budnik
served as a member of the Astor's Board Professional Services Committee
and was appointed as Chairperson of the Committee in 2002; her leader-
ship of this committee spearheaded the vital task of improving Astor's
data collection and analysis structure; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Theodora S. Budnik contributions to the Boards of the
Astor Home for Children and Astor Home for Children Foundation have
positively impacted their growth and served to further their efforts to
assist families in need; and
WHEREAS, A graduate of Harvard University and the U.C.L.A. School of
Medicine, Dr. Theodora S. Budnik is a Board Certified Surgeon with a
specialty in general and oncologic surgery; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Theodora S. Budnik has been engaged in the practice of
medicine for 35 years, and in private practice since 1987; she served on
the medical staff at Vassar Brothers Hospital in Poughkeepsie, New York,
and is currently an active medical staff member at St. Francis Hospital
and Healthcare Centers; and
WHEREAS, Continuing to serve her community through her professional
and volunteer activities, Dr. Theodora S. Budnik holds numerous certif-
ications and memberships in her field and has served on many Boards,
including: Marist College, the Dutchess County Chapter of the American
Cancer Society, Hastings Healthcare Corporation, and the Dutchess Land
Conservancy; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her professional and communi-
ty service, a period of constructive involvement, Dr. Theodora S. Budnik
has stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor, and has earned the
respect and admiration of her colleagues, family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Dr. Theodora S. Budnik has displayed
throughout her life; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Dr. Theodora S. Budnik upon the occasion of her designation
for special recognition as recipient of the Serena Branson Award by the
Boards of the Astor Home for Children and Astor Home for Children Foun-
dation; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Dr. Theodora S. Budnik.