HR0941 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0941 LRB097 21071 KXB 68418 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, In 2012, Fiesta del Sol will be celebrating its 40th Anniversary; and

WHEREAS, Fiesta del Sol, the largest Latino festival in the Midwest, is an admission-free event, bringing patrons, sponsors, and vendors from across the nation and offering live entertainment, local art, a variety of food, activities, and educational information in an alcohol and tobacco free, family-friendly environment; and

WHEREAS, Fiesta del Sol is organized by the Pilsen Neighbors Community Council with the funds from the festival designated for community organizing in the areas of education funding reform, healthcare, civil rights of immigrants, and workforce development, educational summits, an ACT Prep Program, educational scholarships, and leadership training; and

WHEREAS, The Pilsen Neighbors Community Council is a non-profit organization located in the heart of Pilsen and Fiesta del Sol is the Pilsen Neighbors Community Council's primary fundraising event to underwrite its community organizing and service programming throughout the year; and

WHEREAS, The Fiesta del Sol Guadalupe A. Reyes Scholarship Program has celebrated over a decade of awarding scholarships to students from the Southwest side of the city and beyond; and

WHEREAS, The Scholarship Program offers students $1,500 for college expenses and has given $700,000 to over 450 students; and

WHEREAS, Fiesta del Sol draws over 1 million visitors during the four day event, which, in 2012, will be held on July 26-29th in the neighborhood of Pilsen in Chicago; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize and honor the 40th Anniversary of Fiesta del Sol; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Pilsen Neighbors Community Council as a symbol of our respect and esteem.