LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending James Edward Kelly upon the occasion
of his designation for special recognition for his achievements, tough-
ness and commitment to those most in need in Buffalo and Western New
York

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to their communities and publicly acknowledge their
endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among us all; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend James Edward
Kelly upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition; and
WHEREAS, James "Jim" Edward Kelly was born on February 14, 1960, the
fourth eldest of six children born to Joseph and Alice Kelly; he was
raised in East Brady, Pennsylvania, in a household that emphasized the
importance of hard work, integrity and respect for others; and
WHEREAS, Jim Kelly went on to enjoy a legendary career and achieve-
ments at all levels of professional football, from Punt, Pass and Kick
Champion to the Hall of Fame; we celebrate his talent and achievements
and thank him for all he has done for Buffalo and the Buffalo Bills; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed man married Jill Waggoner a woman of uncommon
beauty and substance, in May of 1996; the couple went on to have three
wonderful children: Erin, Camryn and Hunter James; and
WHEREAS, Jim and Jill Kelly's true legacy, their children, have helped
them understand new definitions of toughness; as Jim said in his Hall of
Fame speech, "It's been written that the trademark of my career was
toughness. The toughest person I ever met in my life was my hero, my
soldier, my son, Hunter. I love you, buddy"; Hunter spent all the days
of his life fighting Krabbe disease; and
WHEREAS, Inspired by his child's strength, James Edward Kelly
campaigned, along with his wife Jill, to help find a cure for this fatal
disease; he set up Hunter's Hope, a foundation to seek the cure of this
syndrome and raise funds for medical research; so far Hunter's Hope has
raised over two million dollars to help find the cure for Krabbes and
other Leukodystrophies; and
WHEREAS, Committed to giving back to his community, Jim Kelly started
Kelly for Kids, a not-for-profit organization committed to providing
funding and support to those organizations that operate for the benefit
of specially challenged youth; and
WHEREAS, Jim Kelly, through his generous support has become a regular
at Cradle Beach Camp, a residential summer enrichment camping program
for children, ages 8-16, with special needs and/or those who come from
economically disadvantaged backgrounds; and
WHEREAS, Jim Kelly visits the camp for special needs children every
summer and talks one on one with each camper; at the center of the
entire camp is the Jim Kelly House where the inscription proudly reads,
"Jim Kelly-Our Hero!"; and
WHEREAS, James Edward Kelly has done more than win football games and
earn a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame; with his courage and
compassion he has won the hearts and minds of everyone in Buffalo and
Western New York; and
WHEREAS, Known for his "linebacker mentality," bravery and toughness
on the football field, Jim Kelly has recently shown even more courage
and toughness with medical and personal challenges off the field; it can
be said without extravagance that we are all enriched by the example of
his toughness and courage; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend James Edward Kelly upon the occasion of his designation for

special recognition for his achievements, toughness and commitment to
those most in need in Buffalo and Western New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to James Edward Kelly, his family and the Cradle Beach Camp.