Senate Resolution No. 2048

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING the Seymour Fox Memorial Foundation upon
the occasion of its designation as recipient of the
Beacon Leadership Award by the Independent Living
Center of the Hudson Valley, Inc. on May 9, 2017

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
organizations and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare
of the community and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
the Seymour Fox Memorial Foundation upon the occasion of its designation
as recipient of the Beacon Leadership Award by the Independent Living
Center of the Hudson Valley, Inc. to be celebrated at its 23rd Annual
Dessert Spectacular on Tuesday, May 9, 2017, at the Franklin Plaza
Ballroom in Troy, New York; and

WHEREAS, The Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley (ILCHV)
is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people with
disabilities lead happy and fulfilling lives; rooted in a philosophy of
self-determination, the Center offers many services including advocacy,
peer counseling, and facilitates access to housing and employment
opportunities; and

WHEREAS, The Beacon Leadership Award is granted annually to those
individuals and businesses which have demonstrated their commitment to
the rights of persons with disabilities; Denise DiNoto has truly helped
make her community a more welcoming place for people with disabilities;
and

WHEREAS, Born on May 12, 1925, Seymour Fox died on January 13, 2010,
at the age of 84; for over 50 years, he was an attorney dedicated to
serving generations of families in and around the City of Troy, New
York; and

WHEREAS, Well-known in his professional role as a trial lawyer,
Seymour Fox's private passion was to make the world a better place for
those who needed help; in his last will and testament, he made a
charitable bequest with the direction that the money be used to support
institutions and organizations engaged in charitable acts, scientific
work and educational activities which exemplify the life, work, and
spirit of justice for which he strove during his lifetime; and

WHEREAS, The Seymour Fox Foundation has been a staunch supporter of
the ILCHV for several years; the Foundation was the first to fund the
Youth in Transition program, which provides skills training, support,
and advocacy to young people with disabilities ages 14 to 29; and

WHEREAS, In addition to its generous financial support, the Seymour
Fox Foundation has helped ILCHV create partnerships which are fostering

additional opportunities for people with disabilities to access all our
communities have to offer; 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 the Seymour Fox Memorial Foundation upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the Beacon Leadership Award by the
Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley, Inc.; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Seymour Fox Memorial Foundation.