LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Peter and Gretchen Koch upon the occa-
sion of their designation as recipients of the Sharing the Light Award
by the Catholic Charities of the Finger Lakes on June 16th, 2016

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, Peter and Gretchen Koch have given not only of their time and
energies but also of their competence, intelligence and leadership and
consequently have been designated for special honor; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Peter and
Gretchen Koch upon the occasion of their designation as recipients of
the Sharing the Light Award by the Catholic Charities of the Finger
Lakes on Thursday, June 16th, 2016, at Hobart and William Smith
Colleges, Geneva, New York; and
WHEREAS, Peter and Gretchen Koch have been called upon to contribute
their time and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and
have always given of themselves unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Peter Koch valiantly served his country as a member of the
United States Army from 1964 to 1967, before a business opportunity
brought him to the Finger Lakes Region; he was employed at H & L Ford in
Auburn, New York from 1970-1979; and
WHEREAS, In 1979, Peter Koch opened his first car business, and spent
his illustrious career as owner of: Peter Koch Lincoln-Mercury,
1979-1994; Peter Koch Chrysler Plymouth Dodge, 1983-2012; and Peter Koch
Chrysler Dodge Jeep, 1990-2008; and
WHEREAS, Peter Koch received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the
University of Notre Dame, and Gretchen attended Hobart & William Smith
Colleges; she is also a graduate of the National Auto Dealer Academy;
and
WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to the Finger
Lakes Region, Gretchen and Peter Koch have contributed to several commu-
nity projects; Gretchen has served on the board of several organizations
including the Seneca Falls Library, the Historical Society, the National
Women's Hall of Fame and Family Counseling Services of the Finger Lakes;
and
WHEREAS, Additionally, Gretchen Koch has volunteered with the Seneca
County Children's Committee and the House of Concern; and
WHEREAS, Peter Koch has been a member of the Board of Portal de Belen,
St. Patrick's Parish Council and St. Joseph's Parish Council; he has
also served as President of the Board of DeSales Regional High School;
and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, together the couple has volunteered at St.
Patrick's School, DeSales High School and McQuaid Jesuit High School;
and
WHEREAS, Peter and Gretchen Koch have generously supported numerous
initiatives such as a retreat center at a diocesan mission in Tabasco,
Mexico, a Habitat House in Seneca County, tuition for several students
at DeSales High School, the St. Patrick's Annual Basketball Tournament,
and St. Anthony's Festival; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Peter and Gretchen Koch support Ann Marie Zon's
Nicaragua Project at St. Francis/St. Clare Parish, Father Joseph Thomas'
work in Gujarat, India, and Fr. Gaesser's project, el Portal de Belen,
in the Dominican Republic where he feeds approximately 1,000 children
each day; and

WHEREAS, The Kochs have been the recipient of countless awards and
accolades including, Community Service awards from the Seneca County
Youth Bureau, Seneca County Fair and the Boy Scouts of America; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed couple also received the Red Kettle Award from
the Salvation Army, and Peter was bestowed with the Outstanding Catholic
School Graduate Award for his work at St. Patrick's School; in 2009,
Gretchen received a special award for her work on the Induction Ceremony
for the National Women's Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, With them throughout have been their children, Kimberly,
Heather, Charlotte and George, all of whom feel privileged to be a part
of their lives and rejoice in their achievements; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of their community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Peter and Gretchen Koch have stood
constant in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by individuals
for the benefit of others which Peter and Gretchen Koch have displayed
throughout their lives; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Peter and Gretchen Koch upon the occasion of their designation as
recipients of the Sharing the Light Award by the Catholic Charities of
the Finger Lakes on June 16th, 2016; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Peter and Gretchen Koch.