LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Shannon Sommer upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the Women Who Move the City Award by Big
Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Shannon Sommer
upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Women Who Move
the City Award by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County; this momen-
tous occasion was celebrated on Wednesday, April 20, 2016, at Buffalo
RiverWorks; and
WHEREAS, Shannon Sommer 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, A true asset to her community, Shannon Sommer has been a
volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County since May of
2014; she also serves as a volunteer teacher for Junior Achievement of
Western New York, where she teaches children about entrepreneurship,
financial literacy and work readiness; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Shannon Sommer spends countless hours volunteer-
ing with Blessed Sacrament Parish in Tonawanda, and the Alzheimer's
Association; her passion for giving back to the local community is truly
inspiring; and
WHEREAS, Shannon Sommer resides in Tonawanda with her husband, Jon;
she has worked as an underwriter in Lawley's employee benefits division
for nearly five years, where she analyzes medical and pharmacy claims
for clients, and works to help them understand their health plan
performance while managing healthcare costs; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Shannon Sommer 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 Shannon Sommer 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
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Shannon Sommer upon the occasion of her designation as recipient
of the Women Who Move the City Award by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie
County; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Shannon Sommer.