HR0049

LRB096 06205 KXB 16287 r






1

HOUSE RESOLUTION


 
2
    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of 
3
Representatives are pleased to honor the Girsch family and 
4
their involvement with LINK Unlimited; and

 
5
    WHEREAS, The Girsch family started their journey with LINK 
6
Unlimited in 1987, when John and Mary Weithers, along with 
7
Father Tom Swede, extended the invitation to become sponsors at 
8
a quiet meeting in the Girsch home; and

 
9
    WHEREAS, Education had long been a focus of the Girsch 
10
family and their philanthropic interests, so when Linda and 
11
Jerry Girsch heard the LINK story and the educational 
12
opportunity it provides, the dedication of the students, and 
13
the transformative potential of the student/sponsor 
14
relationship, it was an easy sell; and

 
15
    WHEREAS, For the Girsch family, LINK was not only an 
16
opportunity to give back, but it also provided a chance for 
17
their children to see a world beyond Hinsdale and to further 
18
their exposure and appreciation for city life, with its 
19
benefits and challenges; and

 
20
    WHEREAS, Andrew Lewis was the Girsches' first student;  Brad 
21
Girsch and Andrew were the same age and went through high 
 


 






HR0049
- 2 -
LRB096 06205 KXB 16287 r




1
school together; when Jerry took Brad on college trips, Andrew 
2
went as well; and

 
3
    WHEREAS, The Girsch family involvement extends beyond 
4
sponsorship; Jerry has been an active and invaluable member of 
5
the LINK Board of Directors, where he now enjoys emeritus 
6
status; son Greg has worked at LINK for five years, and 
7
currently serves as LINK's Sponsor/Alumna Relations Manager, 
8
and he has also sponsored two students; all of the Girsch 
9
children have continued the tradition of introducing LINK to 
10
their friends, colleagues, and associates and have helped usher 
11
in the next generation of LINK sponsors and supporters; 
12
therefore, be it

 
13
    RESOLVED, BY THE  HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE 
14
NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we 
15
honor the Girsch family and their over 20-year commitment to 
16
LINK Unlimited; and be it further

 
17
    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be 
18
presented to the Girsch family as a symbol of our respect and 
19
esteem.