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SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 707
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 Senate of the State of Texas,
79th 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
from the Texas Senate.
Barrientos
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on April 29, 2005.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate