HR0977 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0977 LRB102 29375 MST 41365 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to honor milestones in the lives of the citizens of the State of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, It has come to our attention that John A. Canning Jr. is stepping down as co-chair of Big Shoulders Fund; and

WHEREAS, The mission of Big Shoulders Fund is to provide support to schools with demonstrated need that provide a quality, values-based education in a safe and structured environment for deserving children; and

WHEREAS, John Canning has served as co-chair of Big Shoulders Fund for over 25 years and will now continue as a trustee and co-chair emeritus; and

WHEREAS, During his tenure, John Canning has helped raise more than $500 million to support students in under-resourced communities in Chicago, grown the Big Shoulders Fund network into 92 schools covering Chicago and Northwest Indiana, and ensured the continued viability of these essential community-based organizations; and

WHEREAS, The Rita and John Canning Scholarship has helped thousands of promising and deserving students at Big Shoulders Fund schools, and as of 2022, John Canning's Canning Scholars have enrolled in college, persisted, and graduated from college above national rates; and

WHEREAS, On countless occasions, John Canning stepped in both personally and in his role as co-chair with generous financial support to provide pathways to brighter futures for students; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate John Canning on his dedication and hard work as co-chair of Big Shoulders Fund for the last 25 years and wish him continued success in all of his future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to John Canning as a symbol of our respect and esteem.