LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Susan Kaufman upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the Woman of the Year Award by Reaching-Out
Community Services on April 28, 2011

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize those
individuals of preeminent character whose lives exemplify the highest
ideals of humanity and whose lifework and civic endeavor serve to
enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great State of
New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Susan Kaufman upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the
Woman of the Year Award by Reaching-Out Community Services to be cele-
brated at its Annual Dinner and Gala at Rex Manor in Brooklyn, New York,
on Thursday, April 28, 2011; and
WHEREAS, A woman of singular distinction, Susan Kaufman has contin-
ually demonstrated extreme competence, extraordinary intelligence and
diligent leadership in her unwavering service to her community and
profession and consequently has been designated for this most presti-
gious award; and
WHEREAS, A practicing real estate lawyer in New York City, Susan Kauf-
man founded The Animal Relief Fund (ARF!) in November of 2008, in
response to the crisis faced by New York pet-owners dealing with finan-
cial difficulties; and
WHEREAS, ARF!'s approach is to help people before they give up their
pets; it began by distributing pet food directly to six food pantries in
Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island; as the organization has
grown, and donations of food have become larger and more frequent, ARF!
has turned to the Food Bank For New York City, which distributes food to
hundreds of food pantries to distribute bulk donations of pet food; and
WHEREAS, In the spring of 2010, Susan Kaufman was instrumental in
conducting New York City's first-ever pet food drive benefiting Food
Bank For New York City with both a virtual food drive and a network of
local pet food stores collecting food; and
WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband, Peter Fischbein,
their son Scott, and their Boston Terrier, Rex, all of whom feel privi-
leged to be part of her life and rejoice in her achievements; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate blend-
ing of strength, intellect and commitment as that demonstrated by Susan
Kaufman 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 Susan Kaufman upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
the Woman of the Year Award by Reaching-Out Community Services on April
28, 2011; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Susan Kaufman.