Senator Gallivan Presents Geneseo Woman With Prestigious Award

KATE KINGSLEY HONORED BY STATE SENATE AS “WOMAN OF DISTINCTION”

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R,C,I – 59th District) honored Kate Kingsley of Geneseo on Tuesday with one of the New York State Senate’s highest honors, recognizing her as a contemporary “Woman of Distinction” for volunteerism and devotion to her Livingston County community.

“Kate is a real treasure to Livingston County, and all of Western New York, she is one those special people who always look for ways they can help, ways to make a difference,” said Gallivan. “Her work with Camp Good Days, and the time and talent she’s contributed to cancer awareness are well known within her community, but I don’t think many people are aware of how deep her charitable spirit runs. Recognizing Kate as a “Woman of Distinction” was a great honor for me and – I hope – a fitting tribute to a wonderful woman.”

In 1980, Kate began as a volunteer with Camp Good Days and Special Times, a camp for children who had been diagnosed with cancer. Over the next 26 years her relationship with the camp evolved from volunteer to Board Member to employee. After leaving Camp Good Days in 2007, Kate continued to support the camp’s fundraisers and special events. She has since mentored colleagues as they established other camps for afflicted children and worked tirelessly to raise cancer awareness. Kate has several personal year-round fundraising projects. She participates in a Relay for Life team, "Running for Bob", and Teresa House Hospice Comfort Care Walk team, Bob "Hope", both events honoring the memory and spirit of her brother, Bob, and other loved ones lost to cancer.

Kate is one of the original members of the Livingston County Medical Reserve Corps. The corps, created after the tragedies of September 11, is part of a national initiative and consists of medical and non-medical community members who are willing to assist their neighbors in time of disaster or with ongoing public health initiatives. Having never been involved in this level of emergency preparedness and response, Kate took training in first aid, CPR/AED, Psychological First Aid, and Incident Command and Disaster Response to be ready should she be needed.

Kate is also active with the Livingston County Area Chamber of Commerce, Multiple Sclerosis Society, local schools, churches, and many other charities and organizations. She has received service awards for her work with Chances and Changes, a not-for-profit organization serving victims of domestic violence in Livingston County and was a member of the Livingston County Domestic Violence Consortium.

Every year, each of New York’s 62 state senators nominate one individual from their district as a “Contemporary Woman of Distinction” to be enshrined alongside the many historical women whose contributions continue to impact and shape modern-day New York State. Some of these trailblazing females include; Susan B. Anthony, Lucille Ball, Harriet Tubman, and Emma Willard, among others, all with strong links to New York State.

“Honoring and recognizing contemporary women like Kate Kingsley showcases the direct connection between New York State’s pioneering women of yesterday with their modern counterparts, whose contributions continue to enrich New York State’s quality of life,” Gallivan said.

Senator Gallivan presented Kate with the “Woman of Distinction” award at a special ceremony on the floor of the State Senate in Albany on Tuesday, May 15, 2012.