83R21492 BK-D

By: Gonzales H.C.R. No. 112

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Members of Civitan International have set aside the month of April to raise awareness of individuals with developmental disabilities and of the efforts undertaken by Civitan members to help those in need; and

WHEREAS, Founded in 1917 in Birmingham, Alabama, Civitan International is a network of over 1,300 volunteer service clubs across the world dedicated to benefiting others; its more than 40,000 members address problems in their communities through a variety of activities that in turn reward Civitan members with the knowledge that they are effecting positive change; and

WHEREAS, The mission of Civitan International includes a special emphasis on serving persons with developmental disabilities; along with actively contributing to programs like the Special Olympics, members sponsor and organize special camps and events for persons facing developmental challenges; and

WHEREAS, The organization also provides funding for the Civitan International Research Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the Civitan-Sparks Clinics in Birmingham; the center specializes in research into disorders such as autism, Down syndrome, brain tumors, and epilepsy, and the clinics provide children and families with diagnostic services, therapy, counseling, and other resources; and

WHEREAS, Each day, Civitan International members devote their talents and energies to serving the greater good and reaching out to others, and their example of positive citizenship is indeed deserving of the highest praise; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the 83rd Legislature of the State of Texas hereby designate April 2013 as Civitan International Awareness Month and commend the members of Civitan International for their many good works; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Civitan International as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives and Senate.