HR0554

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HOUSE RESOLUTION


 
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    WHEREAS, The Mount Greenwood Civic Association has chosen 
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Chicago Firefighter Tom Taff as the 2005 Man of the Year for 
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his continued dedication to the successful Bucks for Burn Camp 
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fundraisers; and
 

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    WHEREAS, Tom has bravely and loyally served the City of 
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Chicago as a firefighter for 15 years; and
 

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    WHEREAS, After suffering second and third degree burns in a 
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fire 14 years ago, Tom became inspired by the brave, young 
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children who were burn victims at the hospital with him; and
 

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    WHEREAS, With the young survivors in mind, Tom became very 
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involved in the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance (IFSA), a 
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non-profit organization that hosts camps for child burn 
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survivors between the ages of 8 and 16; and
 

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    WHEREAS, Determined to ensure that every child who has 
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survived a severe burning would have the opportunity to enjoy 
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these camps, Tom hosted the first annual Bucks for Burn Camp 8 
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years ago; and
 

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    WHEREAS, Every year since, the fundraisers have grown in 
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size, and Tom was able to involve his entire community, fellow 
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firefighters, and hundred of volunteers to the cause; and
 

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    WHEREAS, In just 7 years, Tom has been able to raise over 
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$400,000, and as many as 1,500 people attended last year's 
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event alone; and
 

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    WHEREAS, In addition to his work with Bucks for Burn Camp, 
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Tom has helped to raise money for important causes such as the 
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United As One Benefit for New York Police and Fire Widows' and 
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Children and for Diabetes; and
 

 


 






HR0554
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LRB094 12681 HSS 47525 r




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    WHEREAS, In conjunction with Bucks for Burn Camp, Tom has 
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organized annual Candlelight Bowls that have raised money for 
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the IFSA, a cancer victim, the St. Cajetan Parish Athletic 
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Association, the Survive Alive House, two Local 2 members 
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serving overseas, and the Gold Badge Society for Chicago's 
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Memorial Park; therefore, be it
 

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    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE 
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NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that 
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we congratulate Tom Taff on being named 2005 Man of the Year by 
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the Mount Greenwood Civic Association, and we extend our 
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sincere thanks for serving his community in such an honorable 
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way and wish him great success in his future endeavors; and be 
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it further
 

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    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be 
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presented to him as an expression of our respect and esteem.