Senate Resolution No. 5500

BY: Senator JACOBS

HONORING Emily Felmet upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of a Woman Who Moves the
City Award by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie,
Niagara and the Southern Tier on May 2, 2018

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made
significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of
certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their
valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Emily Felmet
upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of a Woman Who Moves
the City Award by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie, Niagara and the
Southern Tier, celebrated at its 5th Annual Event on Wednesday, May 2,
2018, at the Hotel Lafayette in Buffalo, New York; and

WHEREAS, Emily Felmet earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in both
Journalism and Mass Communication from St. Bonaventure University; she
furthered her education by obtaining her Master of Science degree in
Communication and Leadership from Canisius College; and

WHEREAS, Emily Felmet has been called upon to contribute her time
and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always
given of herself unstintingly; and

WHEREAS, A true asset to her community, Emily Felmet has been a
volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie, Niagara and the
Southern Tier since July of 2010; throughout the last eight years, Emily
has created an amazing friendship with her Little Sister Quinnshona; and

WHEREAS, Emily Felmet has truly been a consistent and positive role
model for Quinnshona; she has shown her love, and support and has
proudly watched her mature from a child to a self-confident, happy high
school student; in 2016, Emily and Quinnshona won the First Niagara
Mentoring Matters Contest for a video featuring their friendship; and

WHEREAS, Emily Felmet is also passionate about forwarding the
agency's mission through its Big Mirror and Women Who Move the City
Committees; she has been a member of the Big Engagement Team (BET), and
currently, serves as the 2018 co-Chair of Big Engagement Team (BET); in
this capacity, she has shared what it is like to be a Big Sister at new
volunteer orientations, helped organize mixers, and participated in
agency call nights; she has also been instrumental in raising
significant funds through the Big Give campaign; and

WHEREAS, Passionate about making a difference throughout WNY, Emily
Felmet is a volunteer English tutor for refugees at the International
Institute of Buffalo, co-founded and served as a member of B-Team

Buffalo, has been involved with the Buffalo Junior Chamber of Commerce,
and participated in the Susan G. Komen three-day, 60-mile walk in San
Francisco, California; and

WHEREAS, Emily Felmet was employed as a Digital Content Producer at
WIVB-TV until she was hired as a Social Media Strategist for BlueCross
BlueShield of Western New York in 2015; always ready and willing to
help, she participated in the 2018 United Way of Buffalo and Erie
County's Leadership Executive Program and helps run her company's United
Way campaign; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Emily Felmet has stood constant in
dignity, good grace and humor; and

WHEREAS, Emily Felmet resides in the Town of Tonawanda, New York,
with her husband, Aaron, and their dog Omar; when she is not working or
helping someone, she enjoys visiting local museums and theaters,
spending time at Canalside and Delaware Park, and cheering for the Bills
and Sabres; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Emily Felmet has displayed
throughout her life; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, 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 Emily Felmet upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
a Woman Who Moves the City Award by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie,
Niagara and the Southern Tier on May 2, 2018; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Emily Felmet.