Bill Text: VA HJR698 | 2015 | Regular Session | Enrolled

Virginia House Joint Resolution 698 (Prior Session Legislation)

Bill Title: Commending Harry T. Lester.

Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 10-4)

Status: (Passed) 2015-02-20 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ698ER) [HJR698 Detail]

Download: Virginia-2015-HJR698-Enrolled.html

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 698 Commending Harry T. Lester.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 30, 2015 Agreed to by the Senate, February 19, 2015

WHEREAS, Harry T. Lester, a visionary community leader and an enthusiastic fundraiser who strives to inspire others to donate their time and talents to worthy causes, earned the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award at the 13th Annual National Philanthropy Day Luncheon on November 12, 2014; and

WHEREAS, established by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, an organization that promotes ethical and effective fundraising, the National Philanthropy Day Luncheon honors the contributions of individuals and organizations that work tirelessly to make the world a better place; and

WHEREAS, throughout his rewarding 30-year career in real estate, Harry Lester developed a passion for the health and vibrancy of the Hampton Roads Region, meeting and supporting countless individuals and businesses, all working to enhance the quality of life of local residents; and

WHEREAS, a humble man, Harry Lester often credits colleagues and friends for the millions of dollars he has helped raise for local causes, such as Lynnhaven River NOW, the Chrysler Museum of Art, and the United Way; and

WHEREAS, Harry Lester passionately advocated for and generously donated to the Brock Environmental Center, which is one of the most environmentally sustainable buildings in the world and will provide a valuable regional resource on environmental stewardship and restoration projects; and

WHEREAS, as the chair of the Norfolk Foundation, Harry Lester was instrumental in the formation of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, the area's largest scholarship and grant provider; he also held leadership positions in the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and was a founding member of the Hampton Roads Leadership Council; and

WHEREAS, a former president, board member, and rector at Eastern Virginia Medical School, Harry Lester helped raise millions of dollars to benefit programs, scholarships, endowments, classrooms, labs, the Leroy T. Canoles, Jr., Cancer Research Center, and the Sentara Center for Simulation and Immersive Learning; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Harry T. Lester on receiving the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award at the 2014 National Philanthropy Day Luncheon; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Harry T. Lester as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his tireless support for local organizations and passionate efforts to encourage others to take up philanthropic causes.