Honor Thomas Lillis Award

Senate Resolution No. 229 BY: Senator JACOBS HONORING Thomas Lillis upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Service to Mankind Award by the Western & Central New York Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society on February 25, 2017 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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Thomas Lillis upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Service to Mankind Award by the Western & Central New York Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to be celebrated at its 25th Anniversary Diamond Ball on Saturday, February 25, 2017, at Samuel's Grande Manor, Williamsville, New York; and WHEREAS, Thomas Lillis is receiving this auspicious award for his dedication, compassion, and generosity which is greatly appreciated by the patients who benefit from his extraordinary efforts; and WHEREAS, After his nephew was diagnosed with leukemia at the young age of two, Thomas Lillis felt compelled to join the Western & Central New York Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) in 1995; currently, he serves as Vice Chairman of the society's local board of trustees and has been volunteering for this worthy organization for more than 20 years; and WHEREAS, Thomas Lillis has served as a member of the Board of Directors since 2007, and has been actively involved in a number of events and groups including the Leukemia Cup Golf Classic, Team in Training, the Light The Night Walk in both Buffalo and Rochester, and several executive leadership committees; and WHEREAS, This remarkable man has truly lead by example; Thomas Lillis has diligently worked to raise significant funds to help LLS advance its mission of finding a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families; and WHEREAS, The bass guitarist in a local band called The Kensingtons, Thomas Lillis and his bandmates have played at The Trait Music Hall for the past two years at an event called Rock for the Cure, and graciously donated all the proceeds to LLS; and WHEREAS, A graduate of Canisius College, Thomas Lillis holds the title of Senior Vice President for Bank of America Merrill Lynch in Western New York; and WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Karen, and their three children, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his accomplishments; 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 Thomas Lillis upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Service to Mankind Award by the Western & Central New York Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Thomas Lillis.