LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Mary Fiorillo Lentini upon the occasion
of her designation as recipient of the 2015 Volunteer of the Year Award
by the Northeastern Association of the Blind at Albany

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, Mary Fiorillo Lentini has given not only of her time and
energies but also of her competence, intelligence and leadership and
consequently has been designated for special recognition; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Mary Fiorillo
Lentini upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the 2015
Volunteer of the Year Award by the Northeastern Association of the Blind
at Albany, to be celebrated at its Annual Visionary Gala, on Saturday,
April 18, 2015, at the Franklin Plaza Ballroom in Troy, New York; and
WHEREAS, Since 1908, the Northeastern Association of the Blind at
Albany (NABA) has provided comprehensive services and programs to resi-
dents of the greater Capital Region who are blind or visually impaired;
in 2014, they helped over 700 individuals of all ages across 14 counties
adapt to vision loss, maximize remaining vision, achieve their goals,
and expand their independence; and
WHEREAS, This vital organization also offered screenings to over 2,500
children between 18 months and five years of age for possible vision
problems; and
WHEREAS, Mary Fiorillo Lentini is a longtime friend, volunteer and
board member of the NABA; passionate about fashion and design, she began
her career as a Sales Executive for My Michelle Dress Division; and
WHEREAS, After Mary Fiorillo Lentini moved to Albany, New York, she
became an employee of Comfortex Window Fashions, a small window shade
manufacturing company in Cohoes, New York, she was hired for the posi-
tion of Marketing Director to help launch a sub-division into the craft
industry; as the company expanded, the idea for the Factory Outlet Store
was born; and
WHEREAS, Today, Mary Fiorillo Lentini works part-time as a Design
Consultant at the Comfortex Outlet Store, and is in the process of earn-
ing her real estate license; and
WHEREAS, For the past several years, Mary Fiorillo Lentini has
graciously devoted her time and energies to helping the NABA fulfill its
mission of providing critically needed support, guidance and assistance
to the blind and visually impaired across the Capital Region; and
WHEREAS, After being inspired by a brave woman diagnosed with macular
degeneration, Mary Fiorillo Lentini began serving as a member of NABA's
Foundation Board; it was then she realized much can be achieved with
knowledge, dedication, and a positive attitude; and
WHEREAS, Along with other participants, Mary Fiorillo Lentini was
instrumental in establishing additional events such as Casino Night, in
an effort to increase fundraising to benefit the Children's Youth
Programs; currently, she holds the title of Secretary of the Board at
NABA; and
WHEREAS, In addition to her work at NABA, this exceptional woman
volunteers with several organizations, including the Saratoga Senior
Center, the American Red Cross, Capital Repertory Theatre, and the Sara-
toga Senior Center; she also serves on the boards of both Liza's Legacy,
and the Junior League of Albany; and
WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her two children, both of whom
feel privileged to be a part of her life and rejoice in her achieve-
ments;and

WHEREAS, Volunteerism promotes family and community solidarity; most
importantly, people who give of their time in civic and charitable
endeavors inspire others to the call of volunteerism; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Mary Fiorillo Lentini has displayed
throughout her life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Mary Fiorillo Lentini upon the occasion of her designation as
recipient of the 2015 Volunteer of the Year Award by the Northeastern
Association of the Blind at Albany; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Mary Fiorillo Lentini.