HR0434 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0434 LRB099 11801 GRL 34869 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to recognize the work being done by the Give Something Back Foundation (GSBF) as it holds its annual dinner to welcome new students; and

WHEREAS, GSBF was established through the generosity of Bob Carr, a former resident of Lockport, who wanted to give back to the Lockport area community by helping disadvantaged, academically oriented children who were committed to excellence to complete a college degree; Mr. Carr received a merit scholarship at a critical time in his academic career which made it possible for him to finish his college education; realizing how his college education has helped him advance and prosper in today's society, he feels very strongly about giving the same opportunity to other young, striving individuals who do not have the financial resources to attend the university of their choice; he maintains the hope that scholarship recipients will give back to their community in the same manner as they, through the foundation, are giving to others; and

WHEREAS, GSBF started in 2003 when 7 students were given a scholarship to attend college; as of today, 60 new students have joined the 79 already in high school and 51 are currently in college or on the verge of graduating; in total, GSBF currently has 54 college graduates, and, as of April 1, 2015, 244 students are in the process of preparing for college, are in college, or have graduated; and

WHEREAS, Last year marked the first time that GSBF reached out to all of Will County to select students for the partner school program with Lewis University, University of St. Francis, and Blackburn College; this year marks another first as GSBF plans to significantly expand its reach to other communities with the help of like-minded supporters; and

WHEREAS, GSBF prepares students for college and for life through activities while in high school and partnering with universities that are dedicated to serving high-achieving, high-character students who are fully Pell Grant eligible; and

WHEREAS, The Core Activities of GSBF are: (1) to provide students with financial challenges an opportunity to get an education; (2) to provide students with non-academic activities to prepare them for college and for life; (3) to provide all students a mentor who will assist them as they progress through high school; (4) to provide assistance to students in assessing career and college choices; and (5) to expand the foundation plans by joining forces with other individuals or organizations who want to assist and provide opportunities for academically oriented students; and

WHEREAS, GSBF's annual dinner will be held on May 5, 2015 at DiNolfo's in Homer Glen; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize the work being done by the Give Something Back Foundation as it holds its annual dinner to welcome new students; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the GSBF as an expression of our esteem and respect.