HR0554 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0554 LRB094 12681 HSS 47525 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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