HR0518 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0518 LRB098 12795 GRL 47282 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Fiesta del Sol is the largest Latino festival in the Midwest; and

WHEREAS, Fiesta del Sol is an admission-free event, bringing patrons, sponsors, and vendors from across the nation; it has an art and culture pavilion, a children's area, an immigration booth, educational offerings, entertainment, a health booth, and the Copa Fiesta del Sol; and

WHEREAS, Fiesta del Sol is organized by the Pilsen Neighbors Community Council, with the funds from the festival designated for community organizing, an ACT Prep Program, educational scholarships, a legal clinic, an education summit, and a university round table; and

WHEREAS, The Pilsen Neighbors Community Council, founded in 1954, is a non-profit organization located in the heart of Pilsen and Fiesta del Sol is the Pilsen Neighbors Community Council's primary fundraising event to underwrite its community organizing and service programming throughout the year; and

WHEREAS, The Fiesta del Sol Guadalupe A. Reyes Scholarship Program has celebrated over a decade of awarding scholarships to students from the Southwest side of the city and beyond; and

WHEREAS, The Scholarship Program offers students $1,500 for college expenses and has given $700,000 to over 450 students; and

WHEREAS, Fiesta del Sol draws over 1 million visitors during the 4-day event, which, in 2013, will be held on July 25-28 in the neighborhood of Pilsen in Chicago; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize and honor the 41st anniversary of Fiesta del Sol; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Pilsen Neighbors Community Council as a symbol of our respect and esteem.