Senate Resolution No. 1347

BY: Senator GRIFFO

CONGRATULATING Cameron Ricci upon the occasion of
stepping down as President of the New York State
Elks after his distinguished service to this vital
organization

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor 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
congratulate Cameron Ricci upon the occasion of stepping down as
President of the New York State Elks after his distinguished service to
this vital organization; and

WHEREAS, The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) is one
of the oldest and largest fraternal organizations in the world, with
about one million members in more than 2,000 lodges across the United
States; and

WHEREAS, BPOE strives to teach the principles of Charity, Justice,
Brotherly Love and Fidelity; to recognize a belief in God; to promote
the welfare and enhance the happiness of its members; to quicken the
spirit of American patriotism; to cultivate good fellowship; to
perpetuate itself as a fraternal organization, and to provide for its
government; and

WHEREAS, Cameron Ricci, affectionately known to many as Cam, joined
the Herkimer Elks Lodge No. 1439 in the Spring of 1987, and joined the
softball and bowling team which won the New York State Bowling
Tournament; and

WHEREAS, In the Spring of 1997, Cameron Ricci became an officer and
began his ritual journey as the Lodge Esquire; under his luminous
leadership, the Herkimer team placed 1st at the Grand Lodge Convention
that year; and

WHEREAS, Cameron Ricci rose through the ranks, and during his
Esteemed Lecturing Knight, Esteemed Loyal Knight, and Esteemed Leading
Knight years, he was part of the Herkimer teams that went to Grand Lodge
earning 1st All-American Leading Knight; as Exalted Ruler in 2000-2001,
his team went to Grand Lodge again, and placed 2nd nationally; and

WHEREAS, Cameron Ricci was also a member of the House Committee, a
Trustee of the Lodge, and Secretary of the Lodge for six years; and

WHEREAS, For his steadfast and unremitting commitment to the Elks
organization, Cameron Ricci was named the 2008-2009 Elk of the Year; and

WHEREAS, In 2010, Cameron Ricci became the State Accident Prevention
and Risk Management Chairman, holding the position until 2022; from

2018-2019, he served as the District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler for the
Central District of New York State; and

WHEREAS, In his esteemed role as President of the New York State
Elks, Cameron Ricci achieved his goal of adding 4,300 new members
statewide, carried the New York State Flag at the National Convention,
and visited every district in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout has been his wife and First Lady,
Jo-Anne Ricci, who feels privileged to be a part of his life and
rejoices in his achievements; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Cameron Ricci has displayed
throughout his life; 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
congratulate Cameron Ricci upon the occasion of stepping down as
President of the New York State Elks after his distinguished service to
this vital organization; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Cameron Ricci.