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HR0451 |
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LRB094 12360 CSA 46466 r |
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| HOUSE RESOLUTION
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| WHEREAS, Tom and Sonna Cain of Tolono started their Friends |
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| of Santa program to create holiday memories for area children |
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| who might not otherwise have Christmas; and
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| WHEREAS, The Cains have been providing happy memories for |
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| struggling families since they started the Friends of Santa |
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| operation out of their home in 1986; and
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| WHEREAS, This year will mark the 19th year that the Cains |
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| have devoted their own holiday season to making sure that all |
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| children in their community have presents to open on Christmas |
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| morning; and
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| WHEREAS, The operation has grown over the years; Friends of |
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| Santa now serves children in Tolono plus four additional |
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| communities; Mrs. Cain estimates that she has a team of about |
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| 200 volunteers helping with donations, shopping, wrapping, and |
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| sorting the gifts; groups from the Masonic Lodge in Tolono and |
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| the Pesotum and Tolono United Methodist churches have been |
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| especially helpful with the fundraising portion; the motorhome |
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| that serves as Santa's sleigh is donated by a friend, and Mr. |
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| Cain plays Santa; and
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| WHEREAS, In 1986, the Cains delivered Christmas presents to |
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| 56 children; in 2001, the Friends of Santa program delivered |
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| presents to 48 families, with a total of 120 children; while |
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| every child still receives toys, gifts of clothing and coats |
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| are provided to those families who need them; and
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| WHEREAS, The Cains are the parents of two boys; Mr. Cain |
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| has a real estate business, helps teach as a graduate assistant |
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| for Dale Carnegie Training, and is the local area's Chapter |
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| President of the Muscular Dystrophy Association; and
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