LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Brandon and Mara Steiner upon the occa-
sion of their designation for special recognition by the Family Services
of Westchester on April 29, 2010

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, Brandon and Mara Steiner 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 Brandon and
Mara Steiner upon the occasion of their designation for special recogni-
tion by the Family Services of Westchester at its STAR Gala to be held
on Thursday, April 29, 2010; and
WHEREAS, Family Services of Westchester (FSW) seeks to honor those
distinguished individuals whose volunteer efforts have helped to posi-
tively shape the lives of young people in Westchester, New York; and
WHEREAS, Brandon and Mara Steiner are an outstanding couple who devote
considerable time and energy to ensuring disadvantaged youth in West-
chester have the opportunities to succeed in life; and
WHEREAS, Brandon Steiner is the founder and chairman of Steiner Sports
Marketing, the largest company of its kind in America; its inventory of
collectibles includes more than 10,000 items and the company currently
maintains relationships with more than 5,000 professional athletes of
today and yesteryear from virtually every sport; and
WHEREAS, Once a one-man shop, Steiner Sports has grown into a booming,
100-plus employee enterprise; and
WHEREAS, Mara Steiner works right alongside her husband in the busi-
ness as the Director of Human Resources, bringing her MBA training and
financial acumen to the executive management team; and
WHEREAS, Together and separately, Brandon and Mara Steiner have turned
their success in life into a vehicle for helping others; their strong
commitment to using their good fortune to help children is a constant
theme in their community involvement and their passion for meaningful
projects has been contagious, encouraging friends, family members,
neighbors as well as colleagues to join in their efforts; and
WHEREAS, Brandon and Mara Steiner became involved with Family Services
of Westchester more than five years ago; after visiting one of FSW's
youth residences, a home for eight young men, a dynamic partnership
formed between the couple and FSW, which has made a world of difference
in the youth of the community; and
WHEREAS, Immediately, Brandon and Mara Steiner understood what was
needed to help these young men succeed; they quickly took the reins,
vowing to make the boys' home the most beautiful house on the block, a
place they would feel proud to call home; they spearheaded a campaign to
completely renovate the home, and when it was finished in 2008, FSW
proudly named the home The Jerome L. Wagner House, in memory of Mara's
father; and
WHEREAS, Now, Brandon and Mara Steiner have turned their attention to
the girls' group home with the goal of making their residence equally
appealing; and
WHEREAS, While Mara Steiner prefers to stay out of the limelight, she
nevertheless makes her values known through her example; over the past
four years, she has served as a Big Sister to her Little Sister,
Michelle, in FSW's Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program; Mara
augments this already generous contribution of time by taking an active
leadership role on FSW's Big Brothers Big Sisters Advisory Board; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, Mara Steiner has inspired the employees at
Steiner Sports to become involved as well; each week, many Steiner
employees volunteer at lunchtime to mentor youngsters at the Columbus
Elementary School in New Rochelle, New York; and
WHEREAS, Last year, Brandon Steiner deepened his commitment to FSW by
joining its board of directors, where he serves as a selfless leader;
and
WHEREAS, The list of ways the Steiners have made a difference in their
community is endless, from raising funds for the American Cancer Socie-
ty, to hosting and coaching New Rochelle High School athletes in their
home, from inspiring teens through speaking engagements to stay in
school and on track, to encouraging successful athletes to get involved
and give back, they have given of themselves unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Through their exceptional service, Brandon and Mara Steiner
have set a powerful example for their children; they have also provided
inspiration to their colleagues and have made a difference in the lives
of countless youth; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate blend-
ing of strength, intellect and commitment as that demonstrated by Bran-
don and Mara Steiner over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication to
others; 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 Brandon and Mara Steiner upon the occasion of their designation
for special recognition by the Family Services of Westchester on April
29, 2010; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Brandon and Mara Steiner.