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2013 SESSION

13100514D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 790
Offered January 29, 2013
Commending the Richmond Chapter of the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities.
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Patrons-- Carr, James, Kory, McClellan, McQuinn, Morrissey, and Torian; Senator: Marsh
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WHEREAS, on October 29, 2012, the Richmond Chapter of the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities proudly celebrated the 50th anniversary of its Humanitarian Awards Dinner, which honors community members who model respect and understanding in their personal and professional lives; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities was founded in 1935 as the Virginia Region of the National Conference of Christians and Jews after a “Tolerance Trio” composed of a minister, a priest, and a rabbi spoke at Lynchburg College on the importance of interfaith understanding and inspired local leaders to join together to support interfaith relations; and

WHEREAS, the organization’s message of interfaith understanding reached individuals across the Commonwealth and its mission expanded to fight prejudice in all forms; civic and corporate leaders recognized the importance of publicly celebrating the work of individuals who exemplify understanding and respect; and

WHEREAS, on December 11, 1963, the Richmond Chapter held its first Brotherhood Citation Dinner at the John Marshall Hotel, drawing a crowd of hundreds to honor the editor of The Catholic Virginian, John J. Daly, and local businessmen, Irving May and Walter S. Robertson, for their efforts to promote respect and understanding within the workplace and community; and

WHEREAS, over the years, the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities continued to grow, offering educational workshops, retreats, and customized programs that teach conflict resolution, team building, respect for diversity, and leadership development at schools and businesses and in the community; and

WHEREAS, today, the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities continues to impact lives and organizations through its workshops, retreats, programs, and initiatives, such as the Educational Equity Initiative and Prejudice Awareness Summit, helping institutions and individuals foster environments where all can thrive and contribute; and

WHEREAS, for the past half-century, the Richmond Chapter of the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities has brought together a wide array of individuals at its annual Humanitarian Awards Dinner to honor those who have helped transform the communities in which they live and work through their unparalleled service; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, through its annual Humanitarian Awards Dinner, recognizes outstanding individuals for their extraordinary service and highlights the important role that just one committed individual can make toward creating a stronger community; and

WHEREAS, on October 29, 2012, the Richmond Chapter of the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities held its 50th anniversary dinner honoring the work of Nancy R. Belleman, James W. Dunn, Martha F. Rollins, Shantaram K. Talegaonkar, Marilyn House West, Michael Paul Williams, and William C. Hall, Jr., at the Hilton Richmond Hotel and Spa at Short Pump; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Richmond Chapter of the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of its Humanitarian Awards Dinner; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Jonathan C. Zur, the president and chief executive officer of the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, as an expression of the General Assembly’s congratulations and admiration for the organization’s commitment to serving the community.