HR0427 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0427 LRB103 34241 ECR 64067 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to commend Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter on playing a pivotal role in the welfare and well-being of stray and abandoned animals in Illinois for 95 years; and

WHEREAS, In 1928, Orphans of the Storm was founded by world-renowned dancer, actor, and entrepreneur Irene Castle and her friend Helen Swift; the shelter's name, chosen by Irene Castle, was inspired by her love of the similarly named 1921 silent film; and

WHEREAS, Orphans of the Storm was established under Irene Castle's vision of providing a happy ending to countless lost and abandoned dogs and cats in the Chicago area, and her dedication to this noble cause contributed to the shelter's enduring legacy of compassion and care; and

WHEREAS, After Irene Castle's passing in 1969, Orphans of the Storm's mission continued under Thelma Zwirner, whose leadership led to significant growth and expansion, making the shelter one of the largest and most impactful animal shelters in the country; and

WHEREAS, Orphans of the Storm was then guided by Richard Zwirner, following in his mother Thelma's footsteps, and he continued the shelter's commitment to providing refuge, medical care, and loving homes for countless orphaned, abandoned, abused, and neglected cats and dogs; and

WHEREAS, Orphans of the Storm has continued under the guidance of Volunteer President Donna Heggie, and she has overseen the lifesaving work that Irene Castle began 95 years ago and ensured that the shelter remains a beacon of hope for animals in need; and

WHEREAS, Thanks to unwavering community support near and far, Orphans of the Storm has found loving homes for nearly 150,000 dogs and cats since opening its doors 95 years ago; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we commend the Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter on its decades of work in saving the lives of countless orphaned, abandoned, abused, and neglected cats and dogs, and we wish the shelter continued success in its endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Orphans of the Storm as a symbol of our esteem and respect.