SJ0061 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SJ0061 LRB101 15894 MST 69209 r

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, It is highly fitting that the General Assembly pays honor and respect to those individuals who have contributed to the success of their community, the State, and to the efforts to cure childhood cancers and other pediatric diseases; and

WHEREAS, Beginning in 2001, Roger and Regina Landon of Chandlerville have organized numerous horse trail rides at the Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area each June to raise money for the St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital; and

WHEREAS, Since 2001, horse enthusiasts from all over Central Illinois have been attending the Saddle-Up for St. Jude event to raise money for children diagnosed with cancer and other pediatric diseases that are being treated at St. Jude's; since 2001, a total of $730,000 has been raised at these events benefiting the children at St. Jude's Hospital; and

WHEREAS, St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, located in Memphis, Tennessee, treats children with cancer and other pediatric diseases at no cost to the patients; research efforts are directed at understanding the molecular, genetic, and chemical basis of catastrophic diseases in children, identifying cures for such diseases, and promoting their prevention; research is focused specifically on cancers, acquired and inherited immunodeficiency disorders, sickle cell disease, infectious diseases, and genetic disorders; and

WHEREAS, Roger and Regina established these trail rides at Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife area to highlight the beautiful facets of nature found at this wildlife area, to raise funds for the worthy cause of St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, to bring horse and fish enthusiasts together to enjoy the trails of this wildlife area, and to encourage camping at the area; and

WHEREAS, St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital is associated with Children's Hospital of Illinois, located in Peoria; and

WHEREAS, It is estimated to cost nearly $1 billion to operate St. Jude's this year, with the majority of those funds coming from generous donors; and

WHEREAS, Roger and Regina Landon started Saddle Up for St. Jude's in 2001; their initial goal was to be more successful than other Saddle Up fundraisers in Illinois, which then averaged $3,500; for the first benefit, they acquired donations for the meat to be served, the side dishes, paper products, and the evening entertainment bands; the event had Sponsorship Tickets, where each ticket cost $100 and produced a winner for every 20 sold; 1st place won a Browning Silver shotgun, and the next winner won $400; raffle tickets for half a beef and cash prizes were also sold; during the weekend of the event, there was a silent auction, which usually generated a great deal of the proceeds, with all the items donated by generous friends and acquaintances; St. Jude's received $10,000 after the first benefit, and $14,000 after the second year, with the amount increasing each year to over $55,000 last year; St. Jude's has received a total of $730,000, and the goal of this year's benefit is to top one million dollars; this benefit is well-attended, not only by horse enthusiasts but also by interested individuals interested in supporting St. Jude's; and

WHEREAS, In 2012, Roger Landon received the Special Event Coordinator of the Year from St. Jude's, which coincided with the 50th anniversary for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital (1962-2012); Roger and Regina attended the awards recognition program in Memphis, Tennessee; and

WHEREAS, Roger and Regina Landon are personally interested in the Jim Edgar Panther Creek Equestrian Park, not only because of it being the location for the St. Jude's benefit but also for their desire to keep the park beautiful and enticing for everyone to visit and camp; they have initiated taking care of the flower gardens, each year pruning and replanting shrubs and flowers as needed and purchasing mulch to beautify the gardens; and

WHEREAS, Roger and Regina Landon enjoy meeting new camp hosts and assisting them as they settle in their positions; they have a knack for making them feel comfortable with their new environment and duties; often, a different camp host is accepted for the position each year; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING HEREIN, that we designate the equestrian campground within the Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area in Chandlerville as the "Landon Equestrian Campground"; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Department of Natural Resources is requested to erect at suitable locations, consistent with State and federal regulations, appropriate plaques or signs giving notice of the name "Landon Equestrian Campground"; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we commend Roger and Regina Landon on their distinguished volunteerism and their lifelong dedication to the people of Illinois and to preserving the natural fish and wildlife areas of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the Director of Natural Resources and Roger and Regina Landon.