Bill Text: IL HR0204 | 2017-2018 | 100th General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Designates March 30, 2017 as Red Cross Centennial Day in the State of Illinois and urges all residents to donate their time and their resources in support of the American Red Cross.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 3-0)

Status: (Passed) 2017-05-11 - Resolution Adopted [HR0204 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2017-HR0204-Introduced.html

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HR0204 LRB100 11860 MST 23369 r
HOUSE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Clara Barton and a circle of her acquaintances
founded the American Red Cross in Washington, D.C. on May 21,
1881 after hearing of the Swiss-inspired global Red Cross
network while visiting Europe following the American Civil War;
and
WHEREAS, The American Red Cross is one of the largest
humanitarian social service organizations in the country; it
was first charted by the United States Congress in 1900; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Williams T. Lewis and a group of local
friends and colleagues held the first meeting of the Red Cross
in Springfield at 503 South 7th street during the fall of 1916;
and
WHEREAS, The group had 1,300 enrollments and was recognized
as an official chapter on March 30, 1917; and
WHEREAS, The Sangamon Valley Chapter of the American Red
Cross increased area membership to 12,980 volunteers that same
year; volunteers of this group provided support and assistance
to the Mattoon/Charleston area in the aftermath of a May 1917
tornado, its first disaster response; and

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WHEREAS, Area Red Cross members provided care for more than
300 patients during the 1918 influenza epidemic and
successfully started two war funds that raised $90,971.71 and
$132,962.37 respectfully in 1918; and
WHEREAS, The tireless efforts of Red Cross volunteers
continue in our community, our State, and in our Nation during
disasters, when someone needs lifesaving blood, or
around-the-clock support to members of the military and their
families; and
WHEREAS, Volunteer assistance and financial contributions
are needed now more than ever before to respond to the nearly
64,000 disasters that occur across our nation annually; and
WHEREAS, For these past 100 years, the American Red Cross
has had a long history of helping neighbors in need and it
continues to be part of the greater Springfield community,
helping citizens to learn, to help, and to care; and
WHEREAS, The American Red Cross is a full partner with the
State of Illinois; during times of disaster it is the lead
agency providing care to our citizens; it supports our Illinois
military personnel by providing biomedical supplies on a 24
hour non-stop basis, and is a charter member of the Illinois
Terrorism Task Force, IN which they continue to participate to

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ensure the security of Illinois; and
WHEREAS, More than 90% of the Red Cross mission is
delivered through the work and support of volunteers; the Red
Cross depends on local heroes to deliver help during disasters
both near and far; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE
HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we
declare March 30, 2017 as Red Cross Centennial Day in the State
of Illinois, and we urge all residents to donate their time and
their resources in support of the American Red Cross; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a community celebration will be held at 503
South 7th Street, where the Springfield Red Cross will show
appreciation for 100 years of service to the community and
further dedicate themselves to ensure that its mission remains
strong and vital for the next 100 years in Springfield and in
the United States; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
presented to the Springfield chapter of the Red Cross.