79R17477 MMS-D

By:  Cook of Navarro                                              H.R. No. 1794



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, For more than three decades, Gioia Keeney of 
Corsicana has defined the highest qualities of community service 
and civic leadership, and her birthday provides a fitting 
opportunity to recognize her for her achievements; and
	WHEREAS, Born in Michigan, Mrs. Keeney moved to Corsicana in 
1972 when her husband, Arthur J. Keeney, became publisher of the 
Corsicana Daily Sun; since that time, in such capacities as board 
member, chairwoman, and president, she has put her exceptional 
talents and energies at the service of innumerable worthy causes; 
and
	WHEREAS, In the field of education, her leadership has 
benefited the Navarro College Foundation, Corsicana Education 
Foundation, J. L. Collins Catholic School Board, and Diocese of 
Dallas Catholic School Board; moreover, in 1980 she chaired the 
campaign to pass a bond issue for the Corsicana Independent School 
District; and
	WHEREAS, The immediate past president of the Palace Theater 
Board, she currently chairs a fund-raising campaign to renovate 
that local landmark; she also chaired the first fund-raising 
campaign in Corsicana in support of the Dallas Symphony Regional 
Concert Series, and she has helped to guide the Navarro Council of 
the Arts, Corsicana Fine Arts Association, Warehouse Living Arts 
Center, Texas Arts Council, and Texas Arts Alliance; and
	WHEREAS, This esteemed woman has similarly held leadership 
positions with a number of social service and health-related 
organizations, among them the United Way, Corsicana State Home, 
Navarro Regional Hospital Auxiliary, V.O.I.C.E., and local groups 
to support retarded citizens and address drug and alcohol abuse; in 
addition, Mrs. Keeney chaired Food for Fitness, a project that 
delivers meals to the elderly, for 20 years, and directed the Red 
Cross blood drive for a decade; and
	WHEREAS, Other worthy organizations and endeavors that she 
has advanced include the Navarro Community Foundation, the 
Corsicana Area Chamber of Commerce, programs for youth, and various 
city commissions and boards; she has chaired a successful effort to 
preserve the town's historic synagogue, as well as co-chaired a 
successful municipal bond campaign; and
	WHEREAS, Mrs. Keeney's exceptional contributions to  
Corsicana and to education have earned her repeated recognition; 
and
	WHEREAS, Through her tireless commitment to creating a 
stronger, more vibrant community, Gioia Keeney has enriched 
immeasurably the world around her and touched the lives of 
countless fellow citizens; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby honor Gioia Keeney on the occasion of her 80th 
birthday, July 27, 2005, and extend to her profound appreciation 
for her sterling civic engagement; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Mrs. Keeney as an expression of high regard by the 
Texas House of Representatives.