HR0388 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0388 LRB103 34097 MST 63915 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate the Optimist Club of Belleville on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of its founding; and

WHEREAS, The Optimist Club of Belleville was chartered and affiliated with Optimist International on September 23, 1923; and

WHEREAS, The Optimist Club of Belleville has sponsored and mentored over 16 adult clubs and nine Junior Optimist Clubs in southern Illinois since its origin; it currently sponsors the Octagon Club at Belleville Township High School East and a Junior Optimist Club at Roosevelt Elementary School; and

WHEREAS, The Optimist Club of Belleville participates each year in the Optimist International Scholarship, Oratorical and Essay Contests; it also participates in the Illinois District Optimist themed poster contest for elementary school children each year; and

WHEREAS, The Optimist Club of Belleville took over sponsorship and operation of the Santa house in downtown Belleville in 1994, which serves over 2,000 children each year; the accompanying Santa parade, which also began in 1994, is one of the largest in southern Illinois; and

WHEREAS, The Optimist Club of Belleville has worked diligently since 2002 with the schools in Belleville Township High School District 201 to identify and assist families whose children are dealing with cancer and need assistance, providing money, gas cards, transportation, and other needed resources through the Optimist International Childhood Cancer Campaign; the program was expanded and renamed the Childhood Health and Wellness Program in 2022, which focuses on support for four areas, including healthy lifestyles, chronic diseases, mental health, and disabilities; the club expanded its support to improve the quality of life for children across a broader spectrum of needs in 2023; and

WHEREAS, The Optimist Club of Belleville is committed to supporting programs that enhance the health and wellness of children in its community, donating to charitable organizations that provide services to children and donating thousands of volunteer hours; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the Optimist Club of Belleville on its 100th anniversary, and we wish them many more wonderful years; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Optimist Club of Belleville as a symbol of our respect and esteem.