HR0804 93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0804 LRB093 21723 HSS 49510 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the House of Representatives of the State of Illinois are pleased to honor the Marion Elks B.P.O.E. 800 for its many contributions to the community; and

WHEREAS, The Marion Elks participate in several events throughout the year; its two main charities are the Elks National Foundation and the Elks Crippled Children's Program; and

WHEREAS, The Elks National Foundation (ENF) was created in 1928 and to be the Philanthropic arm of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the USA; the 3 outstanding characteristics of the ENF include that it is a permanent fund, its contributions are raised by voluntary gifts, and the entire income from the principal fund is available for the Elks' Charitable and Benevolent work; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois Elks Crippled Children's Program generates direct assistance to physically challenged children and scholarship assistance to physical/occupational therapy students in Illinois; the Marion Elks sponsor several fundraisers each year for this fund, including an annual dart tournament and an auction with prizes and gifts donated from local business and members of the lodge; the group raises an average of $7,000 to $10,000 a year for the Elks Crippled Children's Program; and

WHEREAS, The Marion Elks also provide assistance to people in their own community and area; each year the group cooks at the fair for DCFS, where they serve anywhere from 2,000 to 4,000 children and foster parents; the group also holds a Labor Day Cookout at the State Fair, serving 2,000 to 3,000 people; the Lodge sponsors an annual 4th of July event at Lake Egypt with fireworks; members of the Elks participate in several events throughout the Marion area to help raise money for things such as Main Street and the Civic Center; the group sponsors an annual Christmas Party with Santa and gifts for underprivileged children; and

WHEREAS, One member of the Marion Elks, Penny Bagbey, has been honored by the Elks State Association for his work with veterans at that Veterans Hospital in Marion; throughout the year, Mr. Bagbey and several other members make monthly trips to the hospital and nursing home; Mr. Bagbey holds fishing trips, cookouts, and several other events each year for the veterans; and

WHEREAS, Another charitable event that the Marion Elks sponsor is Kozy Kidz; this is set up as a local charity to help buy coats and gloves for children in Marion; in the past 7 years, the charity has raised approximately $24,000; purchased over 800 coats; helped a homeless family with 2 children get an apartment, and obtained donations of furniture, clothing, and household supplies; and provided children from 6 families a Christmas that they would not have had otherwise; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that that we honor the Marion Elks B.P.O.E. 800 for its many contributions to the community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Marion Elks B.P.O.E. 800 as an expression of our respect and esteem.