SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 945

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Maria Ruiz for her compassion and generosity in improving the lives of underprivileged children and their families in Juarez; and

WHEREAS, For the last 13 years, Maria has traveled to Juarez, devoting time and energy to 12,000 children and their families living in conditions that include the lack of electricity and running water; and

WHEREAS, She has collected donations of food, toys, clothes, and other items from residents of El Paso and distributed them at designated areas to needy children; and

WHEREAS, Maria is currently working to help build a community kitchen and orphanage in Juarez which will feed 500 children daily and house 100 children; and

WHEREAS, Maria and her husband, Jesus, work several jobs to be able to support their philanthropy; Maria was named a finalist for CNN's Hero of the Year Award, and she used her prize money to help defray the costs of constructing the orphanage; and

WHEREAS, Compassionate and generous, Maria is truly deserving of recognition for her selfless efforts to aid the impoverished children of Juarez; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 81st Legislature, hereby commend Maria Ruiz on her generosity to those less fortunate and extend to her best wishes for success in all her future endeavors; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for her as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.

Shapleigh

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 18, 2009.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate