HR0204 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0204 LRB100 11860 MST 23369 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Clara Barton and a circle of her acquaintances founded the American Red Cross in Washington, D.C. on May 21, 1881 after hearing of the Swiss-inspired global Red Cross network while visiting Europe following the American Civil War; and

WHEREAS, The American Red Cross is one of the largest humanitarian social service organizations in the country; it was first charted by the United States Congress in 1900; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Williams T. Lewis and a group of local friends and colleagues held the first meeting of the Red Cross in Springfield at 503 South 7th street during the fall of 1916; and

WHEREAS, The group had 1,300 enrollments and was recognized as an official chapter on March 30, 1917; and

WHEREAS, The Sangamon Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross increased area membership to 12,980 volunteers that same year; volunteers of this group provided support and assistance to the Mattoon/Charleston area in the aftermath of a May 1917 tornado, its first disaster response; and

WHEREAS, Area Red Cross members provided care for more than 300 patients during the 1918 influenza epidemic and successfully started two war funds that raised $90,971.71 and $132,962.37 respectfully in 1918; and

WHEREAS, The tireless efforts of Red Cross volunteers continue in our community, our State, and in our Nation during disasters, when someone needs lifesaving blood, or around-the-clock support to members of the military and their families; and

WHEREAS, Volunteer assistance and financial contributions are needed now more than ever before to respond to the nearly 64,000 disasters that occur across our nation annually; and

WHEREAS, For these past 100 years, the American Red Cross has had a long history of helping neighbors in need and it continues to be part of the greater Springfield community, helping citizens to learn, to help, and to care; and

WHEREAS, The American Red Cross is a full partner with the State of Illinois; during times of disaster it is the lead agency providing care to our citizens; it supports our Illinois military personnel by providing biomedical supplies on a 24 hour non-stop basis, and is a charter member of the Illinois Terrorism Task Force, IN which they continue to participate to ensure the security of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, More than 90% of the Red Cross mission is delivered through the work and support of volunteers; the Red Cross depends on local heroes to deliver help during disasters both near and far; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare March 30, 2017 as Red Cross Centennial Day in the State of Illinois, and we urge all residents to donate their time and their resources in support of the American Red Cross; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a community celebration will be held at 503 South 7th Street, where the Springfield Red Cross will show appreciation for 100 years of service to the community and further dedicate themselves to ensure that its mission remains strong and vital for the next 100 years in Springfield and in the United States; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Springfield chapter of the Red Cross.