LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Matthew Bender IV and Phoebe Bender of
the Bender Family Foundation upon the occasion of their designation as
recipients of the 2012 C. Jordan Vail Spirit of Philanthropy Award

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, Matthew Bender IV and Phoebe Bender have given not only of
their time and energies but also of their competence, intelligence and
leadership and consequently have been designated for special honor; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Matthew Bender
IV and Phoebe Bender of the Bender Family Foundation upon the occasion
of their designation as recipients of the 2012 C. Jordan Vail Spirit of
Philanthropy Award by the Community Foundation of the Greater Capital
Region, to be observed at its Celebration of Philanthropy Luncheon on
Friday, May 18, 2012, at Wolferts Roost Country Club in Albany, New
York; and
WHEREAS, Matthew Bender IV and Phoebe Bender have been called upon to
contribute their time and talents to countless civic and charitable
endeavors and have always given of themselves unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, A 1949 graduate of Albany Academy, Matthew Bender IV went on
to attend Princeton University, graduating cum laude in 1953; and
WHEREAS, A devoted community leader and executive volunteer, Matthew
Bender IV has been active in numerous committees throughout the Capital
Region including the Albany Urban Cultural Park Advisory Committee, the
United Way Budget Panel, the New York State Museum Institute, and the
New York Council for the Humanities, to name a few; and
WHEREAS, Presently, Matthew Bender IV serves on the boards of the
Bender Family Foundation; the New York State Commission on the Restora-
tion of the Capitol; Albany Medical Center; the Aloha Foundation; the
Community Foundation for the Capital Region; the Historic Albany Founda-
tion; and the Saratoga Performing Arts Center; and
WHEREAS, A 1956 graduate of Tufts University, Phoebe Bender earned her
Bachelor of Science degree before going on to attend graduate school at
Boston University; and
WHEREAS, A valued and involved member of her community, Phoebe Bender
has served as a Trustee of the Shaker Museum and Library and in key
roles with such organizations as the Federation of Historical Services,
the Community Foundation for the Capital Region, and the Literacy Volun-
teers of America; and
WHEREAS, Currently, Phoebe Bender serves her community through her
involvement with the New Netherland Institute, and the Shaker Heritage
Society; and
WHEREAS, Both Matthew Bender IV and Phoebe Bender have been the recip-
ients of numerous awards and accolades; and
WHEREAS, Matthew Bender IV and Phoebe Bender are the loving parents of
three grown children and have eight grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of their community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Matthew Bender IV and Phoebe Bender
have stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by individuals
for the benefit of others which Matthew Bender IV and Phoebe Bender have
displayed throughout their lives; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Matthew Bender IV and Phoebe Bender of the Bender Family Founda-
tion upon the occasion of their designation as recipients of the 2012 C.
Jordan Vail Spirit of Philanthropy Award; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Matthew Bender IV and Phoebe Bender.