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.