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ALBANY, N.Y. -- For retiring Assemblyman Bob Reilly, it was bittersweet as he passed out his final round of grant awards from the "Assemblyman Bob Reilly Salary Fund" on Wednesday.

Reilly is retiring from the post at the end of the year.

Back when he first ran for Assembly, Reilly pledged to donate his salary each year to local charities. Since 2005, roughly $533,000 has been donated to local organizations. However, Reilly says it is he who is feeling thankful for the experience.

"Very thankfully have been exposed, literally to hundreds of people and all the organizations serving people. That has been one of the great benefits. One of the great joys I derived from being an Assembly person," Reilly said.

Some of those organizations helped by the Assemblyman Bob Reilly Salary Fund include the American Red Cross, Best Buddies, Equinox and dozens of other charities.