HR0049 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0049 LRB096 06205 KXB 16287 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to honor the Girsch family and their involvement with LINK Unlimited; and

WHEREAS, The Girsch family started their journey with LINK Unlimited in 1987, when John and Mary Weithers, along with Father Tom Swede, extended the invitation to become sponsors at a quiet meeting in the Girsch home; and

WHEREAS, Education had long been a focus of the Girsch family and their philanthropic interests, so when Linda and Jerry Girsch heard the LINK story and the educational opportunity it provides, the dedication of the students, and the transformative potential of the student/sponsor relationship, it was an easy sell; and

WHEREAS, For the Girsch family, LINK was not only an opportunity to give back, but it also provided a chance for their children to see a world beyond Hinsdale and to further their exposure and appreciation for city life, with its benefits and challenges; and

WHEREAS, Andrew Lewis was the Girsches' first student; Brad Girsch and Andrew were the same age and went through high school together; when Jerry took Brad on college trips, Andrew went as well; and

WHEREAS, The Girsch family involvement extends beyond sponsorship; Jerry has been an active and invaluable member of the LINK Board of Directors, where he now enjoys emeritus status; son Greg has worked at LINK for five years, and currently serves as LINK's Sponsor/Alumna Relations Manager, and he has also sponsored two students; all of the Girsch children have continued the tradition of introducing LINK to their friends, colleagues, and associates and have helped usher in the next generation of LINK sponsors and supporters; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we honor the Girsch family and their over 20-year commitment to LINK Unlimited; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Girsch family as a symbol of our respect and esteem.