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79R11297 KO-D

By:  Dukes                                                        H.R. No. 1005



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Since its founding in 1938, Jack and Jill of 
America, Incorporated, has rendered exceptional service to our 
nation's youth, and the Austin chapter has supported the aims of its 
parent organization in its dedication to the well-being of the 
children of the Austin community; and
	WHEREAS, Jack and Jill was established to provide 
constructive educational, cultural, civic, recreational, and 
social activities and programs for African American youths; it was 
initiated by Marion Stubbs Thomas and a group of 20 like-minded 
mothers in Philadelphia who were seeking to encourage social and 
cultural relationships between their children; the idea soon spread 
to other cities and, by 1946, 10 Jack and Jill groups had been 
established and members had held their first national meeting; and
	WHEREAS, The nonprofit organization has expanded to 
encompass seven regional offices and 240 chapters and is considered 
one of the premier service organizations in the country; in 1968, 
the Jack and Jill Foundation was created as a national service 
project with a mission to fund educational, literary, scientific, 
and charitable projects that help eliminate some of the obstacles 
confronting African Americans in our society; and
	WHEREAS, Chartered in 1953, the Austin Jack and Jill chapter 
operates under the jurisdiction of the South Central regional 
office and works within the Austin community through various groups 
and chapter projects; recent activities have included a food drive 
collection for the Capital Area Food Bank, participation in the 
American Cancer Society Relay For Life Event, a nursing home visit, 
an esteem-building workshop, field trips to area museums, and ACT 
and SAT review sessions, as well as fishing, bowling, and swim 
parties; and
	WHEREAS, The Austin chapter's main fund-raiser, the biennial 
Beautillion, recognizes the accomplishments of outstanding young 
African American men in the community and presents these high 
school seniors and college freshmen much as a debutante ball 
presents young women; proceeds from the event are awarded in 
scholarships to the young men, or Beaux, as well as in donations to 
the United Negro College Fund, Brackenridge Children's Hospital, 
Austin Children's Museum Minority Scholarship Fund, Faith Home, 
George Washington Carver Library, and Jack and Jill Foundation; 
over the years, the chapter has presented more than 300 young 
African American men who have since gone on to lead successful 
personal and professional lives; and
	WHEREAS, With the motto, "Let's work, let's play, let's live 
together," Jack and Jill of America, along with its Austin chapter, 
has enhanced the lives of innumerable African American youths 
through the stimulating family programs and activities that it 
sponsors as well as its educational and charitable projects; now, 
therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby commend Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated, 
and its Austin chapter for the opportunities that they provide for 
young Texans and extend to them sincere best wishes for continued 
success with their important work; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for the organization as an expression of high regard by the 
Texas House of Representatives.