Honor Veronica B. Renken

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.