SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 611

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas takes pleasure in recognizing Bella Mercado for her generosity and her recent fund-raising success; and

WHEREAS, This compassionate young Texan was honored as the top fund-raiser for the Saint Jude Give Thanks Walk; the charity event benefited Saint Jude Children's Hospital, where a young friend of the Mercado family, three-year-old Carter, was being treated for brain cancer; and

WHEREAS, Deeply moved by his plight, Bella organized the "Hugs for Carter" team to participate in the benefit; her goal was to collect $1,500; she almost doubled that sum, raising $2,890; at the same time, she raised awareness for Saint Jude Children's Hospital and for all children who suffer from terminal illness; and

WHEREAS, The Give Thanks Walk took place on November 17, 2012, which coincidentally was Bella's ninth birthday; this young model citizen asked for donations instead of gifts and raised money from family friends, neighbors, and other pupils; in so doing, Bella set an unforgettable example for her third-grade classmates; she is truly deserving of high praise and recognition; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, hereby commend Bella Mercado for her remarkable dedication and success in raising funds for the Saint Jude Children's Hospital Give Thanks Walk and extend to her sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for Bella Mercado as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate.

Zaffirini

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 8, 2013.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate