LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Patricia Coulaz upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the Woman of The Year Award by the National
Police Defense Foundation on May 5, 2011

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize those
individuals of preeminent character whose lives exemplify the highest
ideals of humanity and whose lifework and civic endeavor serve to
enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great State of
New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Patricia Coulaz upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the
Woman of The Year Award by the National Police Defense Foundation to be
celebrated at its 2011 Annual Awards Dinner on Thursday, May 5, 2011, at
Russo's on the Bay in Howard Beach, New York; and
WHEREAS, A woman of singular distinction, Patricia Coulaz has contin-
ually demonstrated remarkable humanitarianism and charitable efforts
aimed at saving the lives of critically ill children; and consequently
has been designated for this most prestigious award; and
WHEREAS, Patricia Coulaz served as Program Director of the Gift of
Life project, an organization which provides lifesaving, open-heart
surgery to poor children from around the world suffering from congenital
heart defects; and
WHEREAS, During Patricia Coulaz's tenure more than 1, 300 children
were operated on in New York area hospitals as well as various other
countries; Patricia Coulaz spent countless hours assisting the National
Police Defense Foundation in obtaining life saving surgeries for The
Operation Kids' children; and
WHEREAS, Prior to working for the Gift of Life, Patricia Coulaz was an
Executive Assistant to the main benefactor and chairman of the Gift of
Life for over 20 years; during that time, she volunteered for the Gift
of Life and contributed countless hours and resources for events; she
was a key player in helping to continue their mission of saving chil-
dren's lives; and
WHEREAS, As the proud recipient of two Paul Harris Awards, Patricia
Coulaz is a recognized activist within the Bayside community; currently
she holds the position of Secretary on the Board of Directors of Queens
Center for Progress, and is also a member of the East Bayside Homeown-
er's Association and Treasurer for the Community Board 11 Community
Emergency Response Team; and
WHEREAS, Patricia Coulaz has volunteered with many local organiza-
tions, including more than 12 years as a volunteer in the Emergency Room
at Booth Memorial Hospital and New York Medical Center of Queens; and
WHEREAS, Patricia Coulaz has been honored for her work with the Gift
of Life by the West Hempstead Rotary Club, the Verranzo Rotary Club, the
Home-Reach Foundation and the Queens Council of the Boys Scouts of Amer-
ica; and
WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her four children, Roy, Cathy,
Janet, and Mary, and four grandchildren, Joseph, Samantha, Rocco, and
Brianna, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of her life and
rejoice in her achievements; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Patricia Coulaz upon the occasion of her designation as recipient
of the Woman of The Year Award by the National Police Defense Foundation
on May 5, 2011; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Patricia Coulaz.