79R17006 BJM-D

By:  Hopson                                                       H.R. No. 1816



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Rodney Williams of Carthage has made invaluable 
contributions to the March of Dimes with his involvement in the 
organization's WalkAmerica event; and
	WHEREAS, Founded in 1938 in response to the fight against 
polio, the March of Dimes funded the research that helped develop 
the vaccines that successfully eradicated this devastating disease 
in the Americas; today, this venerable organization has redirected 
its focus to improving the quality of life for the approximately 
470,000 premature babies born each year in this country, including 
the more than 46,500 born in Texas; WalkAmerica raises funds for 
lifesaving research to battle prematurity, the leading cause of 
infant death, and birth defects; and
	WHEREAS, A survivor of the 1952 polio epidemic, Mr. Williams, 
the owner of Duke's Fish Shack, organized a team to raise money for 
this year's walk; in addition, he held a bake sale at his restaurant 
to benefit the March of Dimes, and his waitresses joined in to 
donate their first tips of the day to the worthy cause; and
	WHEREAS, The success of the March of Dimes WalkAmerica event 
is greatly dependent upon the involvement of outstanding 
individuals like Rodney Williams, whose dedication to helping our 
state's most vulnerable citizens is nothing short of exemplary; 
now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby commend Rodney Williams for his service to the 
March of Dimes and the children of Texas and extend to him sincere 
best wishes for the future; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Mr. Williams as an expression of high regard by the 
Texas House of Representatives.