LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Sara-Elizabeth Clark upon the occasion
of her designation as recipient of the Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy
Award by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Mid Hudson Valley
Chapter

WHEREAS, The youth of today, and leaders of tomorrow, whose character
and achievements best exemplify the ideals and values cherished by this
great State and Nation, are an asset beyond remuneration and cannot be
sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Sara-Elizabeth
Clark upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Outstand-
ing Youth in Philanthropy Award by the Association of Fundraising
Professionals Mid Hudson Valley Chapter; and
WHEREAS, Sara-Elizabeth Clark is an outstanding young girl who has
dedicated her time to breaking the stigma of epilepsy, and consequently
has been recognized for her efforts by the Association of Fundraising
Professionals Mid Hudson Valley Chapter; and
WHEREAS, The Association of Fundraising Professionals is an organiza-
tion that empowers individuals to help make a difference through philan-
thropy and provides cost-effective education, networking and profes-
sional resources close to home; and
WHEREAS, Epilepsy affects two percent of the population and approxi-
mately one in 50 children; Sara-Elizabeth Clark was diagnosed with
Idiopathic Benign Childhood Epilepsy when she was 16 months old, and
growing up she always felt as if she was treated differently by her
family and friends; and
WHEREAS, When she was 10 years old, Sara-Elizabeth Clark decided to
support others suffering with epilepsy and similar disorders and to help
dispel the fear and misconceptions people have, and the stigma associ-
ated with them; at the same time, Sara began organizing the "Sara's
Annual Walk for Epilepsy" by working with local agencies that serve
people with epilepsy and SUNY New Paltz to organize and promote the
event; the five walks Sara has organized have collectively raised a
significant amount, all of which is used to support those with epilepsy;
and
WHEREAS, Through Sara-Elizabeth Clark's walk, she is able to not only
raise funds for epilepsy, but promote awareness and education in order
to break the stigma that surrounds epilepsy; Sara believes her disorder
will not define her identity as a person; she has spoken to children
from all over the country, has participated in regional print and tele-
vision ads, and is the subject of the book, BEING SARA, by local author
Chris Passudetti; and
WHEREAS, Sara-Elizabeth Clark has exhibited tireless enthusiasm within
her community by raising funds and awareness about epilepsy; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when young
people 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 Sara-Elizabeth Clark upon the occasion of her designation as
recipient of the Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Award by the Associ-
ation of Fundraising Professionals Mid Hudson Valley Chapter; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Sara-Elizabeth Clark, 23 Cooks Lane, Gardiner, New York
12525.