Senate Resolution No. 2768

BY: Senator RANZENHOFER

HONORING Mary Bengart upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the Volunteer of the
Year Award by the Clarence Chamber of Commerce on
March 5, 2020

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those distinguished citizens who would devote their life's work
and purpose to community service, contributing to the welfare of the
citizens of their communities and this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Mary Bengart upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the
Volunteer of the Year Award by the Clarence Chamber of Commerce, to be
celebrated at its 48th Annual Awards Dinner on Thursday, March 5, 2020,
at Samuel's Grande Manor, Williamsville, New York; and

WHEREAS, Mary Bengart is receiving this prestigious award for her
steadfast and unremitting commitment to her beloved community of
Clarence, New York; and

WHEREAS, A first generation American, Mary Bengart grew up in
Buffalo, New York, and was the first in her family to attend college,
earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business; she went on to receive
a Master of Business Administration degree in Public Accounting from
Canisius College; and

WHEREAS, Mary Bengart was offered several jobs within her field of
study, but made the difficult decision to stay at home and raise her
children; during this time, she discovered a great need to be involved
in their school and extracurricular activities, and thus began her love
of volunteering; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to both her
children and her community, Mary Bengart gave tirelessly of her time and
energies to Kadimah, a small private Jewish Day School where she
organized and hosted numerous events and fundraisers; and

WHEREAS, As her children grew and began attending public school,
Mary Bengart immersed herself in volunteer work to benefit Transit
Middle School and Williamsville East; she served on the Post-Prom
Committee, volunteered at the school store, and was a dance chaperone;
she also helped with the Senior Day Breakfast and Teacher Appreciation
Day; and

WHEREAS, Mary Bengart was very involved with her two sons' high
school Hockey Boosters, as well as the Ad Book Design, Year End Banquet
and Senior Day; she also actively supported her daughter's gymnastics
fundraisers; and

WHEREAS, Presently, Mary Bengart is a member of the University of
Buffalo Medical School Parent Council where her eldest son is a
second-year student; and


WHEREAS, A resident of Clarence, New York since 1997, Mary Bengart
is an active member of the Clarence Chamber of Commerce, serving its
Dinner Committee, Taste of Clarence and the Golf Outing; furthermore,
she is on the Winterfest Committee and has volunteered for the Clarence
Arts and Crafts Society; and

WHEREAS, This extraordinary woman is also currently the Co-Chair of
the Clarence Community Task Force, working towards the goal of building
a community center in Clarence; and

WHEREAS, As a board member of The Clarence Concert Association, Mary
Bengart was instrumental in cutting costs by obtaining a postal permit
allowing all mail to be sent out at a reduced rate; she also organized
the yearly Patron Appreciation Day, Summer Wine and Cheese fundraiser,
and the Appreciation Concert for First Responders in Clarence; and

WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband, Steve, and their
three children, Joey, Rachel and Aaron, all of whom feel privileged to
be a part of her life and rejoice in her many achievements; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Mary Bengart has displayed
throughout her life; and

WHEREAS, It has always been the objective of this Legislative Body
to honor and support those individuals who have displayed their
commitment to the betterment of their communities, and it is the intent
of this Legislative Body to inscribe upon its records, this tribute to
Mary Bengart, that future generations may know and appreciate her
admirable character, her many benevolent deeds, and the respect and
esteem in which she is held by her peers; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Mary Bengart upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
the Volunteer of the Year Award; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Mary Bengart.