WHEREAS, in 2014, Rappahannock United Way, a nonprofit, charitable organization in Fredericksburg, celebrates 75 years of improving the lives of community members and promoting civic responsibility and involvement; and

WHEREAS, tracing its roots to 1939, Rappahannock United Way was originally founded as the Fredericksburg Community Fund, a volunteer organization that raised and distributed charitable donations; and

WHEREAS, the Fredericksburg Community Fund worked with the Salvation Army, Mary Washington Hospital charity fund, Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of the USA, and Children's Home Society of Virginia; and

WHEREAS, in 1962, the organization changed its name to the United Givers Fund of Fredericksburg, Stafford, and Spotsylvania, before becoming Rappahannock United Way in 1977; and

WHEREAS, throughout its history, Rappahannock United Way has worked to build a strong, healthy community, inspire compassion for others, and preserve the dignity of those in need, while adhering to the highest standards of ethics, honesty, and accountability; and

WHEREAS, with the help and hard work of over 1,000 volunteers and generous donations from area individuals, businesses, and organizations, Rappahannock United Way has improved the social and economic well-being of people in the Counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford and the City of Fredericksburg; and

WHEREAS, Rappahannock United Way will commemorate its anniversary at the 75th Anniversary and Leadership Giving Circle Event in Stafford on June 21, 2014; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Rappahannock United Way for its many contributions to the community on the occasion of its 75th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Janel Donohue, president of Rappahannock United Way, as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the organization's long tradition of service to the Fredericksburg area and the Commonwealth.