84R22088 CJM-D

By: Springer H.R. No. 1920

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, The Floyd County Friends Unity Center is holding its 20th annual gala on April 18, 2015; and

WHEREAS, In 1995, the late Billy Don Colston and a number of other engaged citizens gathered at the Lighthouse Electric Cooperative to discuss building a multipurpose center in the area; the group subsequently founded Floyd County Friends and elected Nick Long as the organization's first president; and

WHEREAS, In order to finance the facility's construction, Floyd County Friends held its first annual gala in the Lockney School Cafeteria in 1996; for the next five years, the organization hosted numerous fund-raisers and solicited private donations and matching grants until the Floyd County Friends Unity Center could open its doors debt-free in January of 2000; over the years, the gala has become the biggest social event of the season for area residents, and the money it raises now goes toward keeping the center affordable and accessible to the general public; and

WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of manager Jon LaBaume, the Unity Center serves approximately 10,000 visitors each year; the center offers a variety of agricultural and family events, including the Floyd County Stock Show, as well as continuing education programs and 4-H meetings; and

WHEREAS, For two decades, the members of Floyd County Friends have devoted their time and energy to providing area residents with a welcoming venue for community events, and these dedicated individuals are indeed deserving of recognition for their successful efforts; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas Legislature hereby commemorate the 20th annual Floyd County Friends Unity Center gala and extend to its organizers and attendees sincere best wishes for a memorable event; and, be it further

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