Bill Text: VA HJR440 | 2020 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Commending the Wes Strong Foundation.
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 6-1)
Status: (Passed) 2020-03-05 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ440ER) [HJR440 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2020-HJR440-Introduced.html
WHEREAS, the Wes Strong Foundation, a nonprofit organization in Yorktown, has rallied community members for nearly a decade to support children fighting cancer and their families; and
WHEREAS, originally known as United in GRACE, the Wes Strong Foundation traces its roots to 2011 when five-year-old Wes Pak, who was undergoing treatment for neuroblastoma, asked to give his toys to his fellow patients at the Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters; and
WHEREAS, the first Wes' Wish Toy Drive resulted in the donation of five little red wagons full of toys for childhood cancer patients, and has grown significantly through partnerships with local businesses and organizations and generous support from the community; and
WHEREAS, the Wes' Wish Toy Drive has reduced stress at the holidays for many families by allowing them to select toys and gifts for their children free of charge; Wes Pak continued to support the organization by collecting, sorting, and delivering toys until he passed away in 2018; and
WHEREAS, the Wes Strong Foundation has carried on Wes Pak's legacy of compassionate service through other programs, such as Wes' Wish Granting, which helps children fulfill their dreams through unique experiences; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Wes Strong Foundation for its work to provide hope and support to children fighting cancer and their families; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Wes Strong Foundation as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the organization's inspirational mission.
