Senate Resolution No. 2257

BY: Senator HANNON

HONORING Veronica B. Renken upon the occasion of
her designation as recipient of the Lifetime
Achievement Award by NYU Winthrop Hospital on June
6, 2017

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those New York State residents who give generously of themselves
to their communities and who strive to improve the lives of others
through caring and dedicated volunteer service; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Veronica B. Renken upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
the Lifetime Achievement Award by NYU Winthrop Hospital to be celebrated
on Tuesday, June 6, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Veronica B. Renken, affectionately known to her friends and
family as Ronnie, has dedicated her life to the service of others;
inspired by the good works of Irish nun, Catherine McAuley, and her
parents who instilled in her a spirit of gratitude at a young age, she
has devoted countless hours to volunteering and fundraising at NYU
Winthrop Hospital; and

WHEREAS, In the 1970s, Ronnie B. Renken began her many years of
devoted service at NYU Winthrop Hospital; she graciously fed patients,
and while working alongside nurses, she experienced the compassion of
the staff as well as the healing that takes place at the Hospital; and

WHEREAS, Motivated to become more involved, Ronnie B. Renken joined
the Hospital's Auxiliary, a dedicated group of volunteers who
collectively support the general welfare of the Hospital through their
goodwill and fundraising; and

WHEREAS, In 2001, Ronnie B. Renken was elected to the title of
President of Winthrop's Auxiliary, which includes two volunteer
fundraising groups, the Twigs and Wings of Winthrop; under her luminous
leadership, the group financially supported the establishment of several
programs, services and facility enhancements at the Hospital including
the establishment of the Pastoral Care Program, improvements to the
Emergency Department, the creation of the 15,000 square-foot Hagedorn
Pediatric Inpatient Center and two pediatric testing suites in the
Research and Academic Center; and

WHEREAS, The Auxiliary also raised funds to help staff the
Hospital's STAR program with a dedicated coordinator, among several
other initiatives; and

WHEREAS, In addition to having served as the Auxiliary President,
Ronnie B. Renken has been a long time, valued member of the Hospital's
Board of Directors, as well as an asset to the Hospital's Patient
Relations Department, where, for many years, she volunteered her time
and energy; and

WHEREAS, Ronnie B. Renken also serves on the Board of United Way of
Long Island, and was a member of Our Lady of Mercy Academy's Board of
Trustees; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of her steadfast and unremitting commitment
to others, Ronnie B. Renken has been the recipient of numerous accolades
and honors including the 1989 First Annual Volunteer Recognition Award
by Newsday, the 2004 Gilbert Tillis Award by the Association of
Fundraising Professionals, and the MVP and Elena M. Perez Volunteer
Leadership Awards by the United Way of Long Island; and

WHEREAS, Ronnie B. Renken was also named the 1991 Outstanding
Volunteer by the National Society of Fundraising Executives LI Chapter,
and the 1994 Garden City Citizen of the Year; and

WHEREAS, In 2007, Ronnie B. Renken was recognized for her many years
of volunteer work at Winthrop's Annual Yuletide Ball, and in 2013, was
named one of the honorees for the Annual Gala, the Hospital's largest
fundraiser; and

WHEREAS, A graduate of Our Lady of Mercy Academy's class of 1950,
Ronnie B. Renken was selected as her alma mater's 15th Annual Golf
Classic Honoree; and

WHEREAS, Most recently, Ronnie B. Renken received the Dr. Abraham
Lurie Award by the Variety Child Learning Center (VCLC) for her
outstanding dedication and commitment to this vital organization's
mission, the children, families and staff; and

WHEREAS, Ronnie B. Renken began to work at the VCLC in 1973; she
served as a member of the Board of Trustees from 1975-2007, and held the
position of Board Chairperson from 1981-1999; in this capacity, she was
instrumental in establishing a permanent home for the organization; 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 Veronica B. Renken upon the occasion of her designation as
recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award by NYU Winthrop Hospital,
and for her continuing efforts to improve the lives of others in her
community, her State and her Nation; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Veronica B. Renken.