H.R. No. 206

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, Gene Olafsen was honored at the second annual Exemplary Women of Irving High Tea event on November 4, 2012, in tribute to her dedicated efforts in behalf of her community; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Olafsen moved to Irving in 1968 with her four children and her first husband, Edward Demonbreun, who passed away in 1982; during her early years in the city, she volunteered with the Irving Little Theatre; for the company's production of Mame, she personally sewed 30 costumes, which represented some of the first stitches in what would become a long tapestry of support for the arts; and

WHEREAS, After a successful career at American Airlines, Mrs. Olafsen retired in 1987, which allowed her additional time to devote to cultural activities; she became a charter member of the Irving Community Theatre Guild in 1989, and she has provided thoughtful guidance to the organization in the capacities of vice president, treasurer, board member, and co-chair of elegance and entertainment, as well as in her current role as president; moreover, she played a vital part in planning the shows Encore I, Encore II, and An Evening with Louise Mandrell, and she has thrice served as co-chair of the Mardi Gras Party, an event for which she and her second husband, William Olafsen, were selected as king and queen in 2008; in recognition of her work, the guild honored her with its Star Award in 2004; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Olafsen's enthusiasm and determination have also been of great assistance to the Irving Symphony League; she served with that group from 1990 until 2009 and was co-chair for three ISL balls; this gifted organizer oversaw registration for the 2002 conference of the Texas Association for Symphony Orchestras, just one of many sterling contributions that garnered her the league's Distinguished Service Award; for many of these projects, as well as for the events she arranged for the Irving Community Theatre Guild, she received vital help from Mr. Olafsen, her daughters Donna and Denise, and her son-in-law John Femrite; and

WHEREAS, Imbued with boundless community spirit, Mrs. Olafsen has shared her time and talents with the Lyric Stage League, serving on the board of directors and the annual fund-raising committee; in addition, she has co-chaired two Canalfest galas and has aided the Irving Cares Christmas charity initiative; other groups that have benefited from her membership include the Irving Hospital Foundation, the Irving Heritage Society, the Las Colinas Women's Association, and Friends of the Irving Public Library; her myriad endeavors have earned her the respect and appreciation of countless people, and she was the recipient of the High Spirited Citizen Award from the Irving Convention and Visitors Bureau in August 2006; and

WHEREAS, Over the years, Gene Olafsen has been a tireless champion for the theater and musical arts and numerous other worthy causes, and she may take justifiable pride in the many ways that she has helped enhance the quality of life in the Irving area; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Gene Olafsen on her selection as one of the Exemplary Women of Irving and extend to her sincere best wishes for continued success in her important work; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mrs. Olafsen as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.

Harper-Brown

______________________________ Speaker of the House

I certify that H.R. No. 206 was adopted by the House on February 18, 2013, by a non-record vote.

______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House