Honor Stew Leonard's Community Service

Senate Resolution No. 303 BY: Senator MARCELLINO HONORING Stew Leonard upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by The Townwide Fund of Huntington, Inc., on February 9, 2017 WHEREAS, It is the practice 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 commend Stew Leonard upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by The Townwide Fund of Huntington, Inc., to be celebrated at its Valentine's Day Red Tie Gala on Thursday, February 9, 2017, at the Oheka Castle, Cold Spring Hills, New York; and WHEREAS, The Townwide Fund of Huntington, Inc. was founded in 1961, by a group of private citizens who wanted to raise funds within the community to assist the local charities which make our society stronger; and WHEREAS, For more than 50 years, The Townwide Fund of Huntington, Inc. has continually raised funds and infused local organizations with the support they need to provide health and human services to the residents of the Town of Huntington; and WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents an opportunity for The Townwide Fund of Huntington, Inc. to recognize Stew Leonard of the renowned Stew Leonard's; he is an exceptional individual with a big heart, who proudly and enthusiastically supports the Fund; and WHEREAS, From its humble beginnings as a small dairy store founded in 1969 with seven employees, Stew Leonard's has grown to become not only the World's Largest Dairy Store, but one of the most well-known grocery stores with nearly 2,000 Team Members; and WHEREAS, In addition to the store headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut, Stew Leonard's has stores in Danbury and Newington, Connecticut, as well as Yonkers and Farmingdale, New York; and WHEREAS, Stew Leonard has been called upon to contribute his time and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always given of himself unstintingly; and WHEREAS, Stew Leonard feels strongly about giving back to his loyal customers and to the community; he donates gift cards to countless local charities, and all funds accumulated in the store's wishing well as you exit the store is dispersed the following month to a designated charity; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which Stew Leonard has displayed throughout his 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 commend Stew Leonard upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by The Townwide Fund of Huntington, Inc., on February 9,