HR0026 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0026 LRB099 04303 MST 24329 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to recognize significant milestones and achievements of people, communities, and organizations in the State of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate the East St. Louis chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc., and the Top Teens of America on their 30th anniversary of service and leadership in the East St. Louis community and metropolitan area; and

WHEREAS, The national body of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. was organized on June 4, 1964 in Tyler, Texas, with the purpose of coordinating professional women to help young people; and

WHEREAS, Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. has expanded its purpose to enhancing the status of women, fostering the development of youth through the Top Teens of America, providing for community beautification, supporting senior citizens, and creating community partnerships; and

WHEREAS, Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. has formed coalitions with other organizations, including the United Negro College Fund, the March of Dimes, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the American Association of Retired Peoples, the Children's Defense Fund, the Assault on Illiteracy, the National Council of Negro Women, and many other human rights, social service, and community-based organizations; and

WHEREAS, As membership in Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. grew throughout the United States due to the efforts of dynamic and aggressive professional women, the East St. Louis chapter of Area 3 was being formed under the leadership of Peggy Lewis Le Compte, Chapter Organizer, who later became the organization's 10th National President; and

WHEREAS, On January 20, 1985, at the Ramada Inn in Fairview Heights, the East St. Louis chapter was chartered and 40 ladies from various social and economic stratums of the community were inducted; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception, the East St. Louis chapter has provided outstanding and exemplary programs and services, including adoption of the Virgil Calvert Nursing Home (Nathan Care), building Habitat for Humanity homes, the Status of Women "Women of Courage" program, adoption and decoration of a room at the "Call for Help" facility for battered women, preparing and mailing care packages to women serving in Iraq through the Healthy Choice Program, and collaborating with the East St. Louis Senior Citizens Health Fair Consortium; and

WHEREAS, In 1999, the East St. Louis chapter incorporated the recognition of role models as part of its "Young Men of Distinction"; this event represents various career areas and has grown each year; through their efforts, the chapter has continually been chosen as a Five Star Chapter; and

WHEREAS, The East St. Louis chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. serves as an organization of hard work, dedication, and service for the people of the State and community; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc., East St. Louis Chapter, on their 30th anniversary; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc., East St. Louis Chapter, as an expression of our esteem and respect.