A senate RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR kenny craven for becoming the imperial potentate and chairman of the board of directors of shriners children's.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are pleased to recognize Kenny Craven for becoming the Imperial Potentate and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Shriners Children's; and

Whereas, a native of Summerville, Mr. Craven will be the first person from South Carolina to hold this position. He and his wife Jennifer, Shriner International's First Lady, will be serving Shriners Children's during the one hundred fiftieth anniversary of the fraternity and the one hundredth anniversary of Shriners Children's hospitals; and

Whereas, Shriners Children's is one of the largest networks of hospitals, medical centers, and outpatient facilities in North America that specializes in pediatric orthopedics. Shriners Children's offers care for broken bones, sprains, strains, twists, tears, and more; and

Whereas, Mr. Craven has combined a successful professional career, a lifelong passion for sports, and a commitment of service to the Shrine. From his first job at Coca-Cola to his many years working in the automotive industry, where he joined his brother, Dennis, to manage dealerships and handle fleet accounts, he has become as accomplished businessman and leader; and

Whereas, a civic leader, Mr. Craven has been involved in all aspects of Shrine sports over the years, rising to chairman of the East-West Shrine Bowl, College Classic, and imperial Sports Committees. He has also been involved with the NASCAR program, Shriners Children's Open, and the new ESPN college basketball tournament, Shriners Children's Charleston Classic; and

Whereas, Mr. Craven was the driving force behind establishing an affiliation with the Medical University of South Carolina to bring Shriners' trademark burn care expertise there. He has also served on the Board of Directors of the General Charleston Restaurant Association, which now recognizes Shriners Children's as one of its official charities; and

Whereas, Mr. Craven is a Past Master of Summerville Masonic Lodge #234 and has been a member of Omar Shriners since 1988, where he held numerous positions before becoming Potentate in 2012; and

Whereas, Mr. Craven and Jennifer, also known as JJ, have been together for twenty-two years. They enjoy the Lowcountry lifestyle of being on and around the water. They also enjoy being in the outdoors, hunting, and golfing. Mr. Craven's loyalty to his favorite teams, the Washington Redskins and South Carolina Gamecocks, is only surpassed by his love of all things John Deere; and

Whereas, the Cravens enjoy the love and support of their families, including daughter Stacey; and Mr. Craven's biggest fan is his granddaughter, Ella Grace; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate greatly appreciate the dedication and commitment that Mr. Craven has shown in serving the people and the State of South Carolina.  Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, recognize and honor Kenny Craven for becoming the Imperial Potentate and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Shriners Children's.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Kenny Craven.

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