LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Catholic Charities of Buffalo upon the
occasion of its designation as the recipient of the 2015 Torch Award for
Philanthropic Excellence by the Better Business Bureau Foundation of
Upstate New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense 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 organizations
and individuals who 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 pleased to honor Catholic
Charities of Buffalo upon the occasion of its designation as the recipi-
ent of the 2015 Torch Award for Philanthropic Excellence by the Better
Business Bureau Foundation of Upstate New York; and
WHEREAS, Catholic Charities of Buffalo was selected as the second
annual winner of the prestigious Torch Award by a panel of independent
judges; the Better Business Bureau Foundation of Upstate New York devel-
oped this award to bring attention to the practices which nonprofits
employ to generate a high level of trust among employees, donors and the
community; and
WHEREAS, Since its inception in 1923, when diverse Catholic organiza-
tions joined forces to form one organization to better serve the needs
of the community, Catholic Charities of Buffalo continues to collaborate
and reach out with its multiple services throughout Western New York;
and
WHEREAS, In 2015, Catholic Charities of Buffalo served nearly 132,000
individuals and families in need throughout the region; the organization
offers comprehensive services particularly to those in need and to those
who are most vulnerable without regard to religion, race or age; and
WHEREAS, Operating at the highest levels of leadership, character and
commitment to its mission and ethics, Catholic Charities of Buffalo
believes in empowering individuals, children, and families to achieve
and maintain meaningful, healthy and productive lives; and
WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of Dennis C. Walczyk, Chief Execu-
tive Officer, Catholic Charities of Buffalo offers services such as
helping to administer the WIC program, counseling, and basic housing and
food assistance as well as school-based services; and
WHEREAS, The Torch Award for Philanthropic Excellence is a testament
to the services Catholic Charities of Buffalo provides to members of the
community, and to the impact it has on Western New York; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are
brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by
all the citizens of the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Catholic Charities of Buffalo upon the occasion of its designation
as the recipient of the 2015 Torch Award for Philanthropic Excellence by
the Better Business Bureau of Upstate New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Dennis C. Walczyk, Chief Executive Officer, Catholic Chari-
ties of Buffalo.