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2013 SESSION


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 819
Commending Sam C. Canavos.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 8, 2013
Agreed to by the Senate, February 14, 2013

 

WHEREAS, Sam C. Canavos will be honored for his many contributions to the community at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula 25th anniversary Steak ‘N Burger Dinner on March 28, 2013; and

WHEREAS, a native of Newport News, Sam Canavos spent much of his childhood and youth in Greece, returning to his hometown at the end of World War II and joining the business his grandfather founded; and

WHEREAS, Sam Canavos inherited his family’s entrepreneurial spirit and opened his own business in 1952; today he owns and operates five restaurants, two hotels, and several commercial real estate projects with a strong focus on customer service; and

WHEREAS, a vital part of the Newport News business community, Sam Canavos has mentored other restaurateurs, resulting in the opening of more than two dozen other restaurants; served on the board and as president of the Virginia Restaurant Association; and on the boards of the Oyster Point Development Corporation and Nations Bank; and

WHEREAS, remaining true to his Greek heritage and faith, Sam Canavos served on the board of the Greek Orthodox Church for more than 30 years, as chair and co-chair of the Newport News Greek Festival, and president of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association; and

WHEREAS, known for his generous heart and selfless spirit, Sam Canavos has graciously sponsored special events for different organizations, including the annual Newport News Retired Police Officer Association conventions and United Way Kick-off Campaigns; and

WHEREAS, a tireless supporter of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula, Sam Canavos has provided food and staff for its annual Steak ‘N Burger Dinner for 25 years, enabling the organization to raise nearly $2.5 million to help young people; and

WHEREAS, Sam Canavos has also hosted the annual board of directors meeting for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula for 14 years and the annual retreat for the organization’s professional staff; and

WHEREAS, Sam Canavos has been a member of the organization’s board of directors for 19 years, serving on all of its boards at one time or another over the course of his tenure; and

WHEREAS, an inspiring role model for youth, Sam Canavos was honored by the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula for his faithful service with selection to its exclusive Wall of Fame and by the national organization with a prestigious Medallion award; and

WHEREAS, Sam Canavos was also honored by what is now known as the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities with its Peninsula Chapter Humanitarian Award for his many philanthropic endeavors in Newport News; and

WHEREAS, an extraordinary citizen of Newport News, Sam Canavos has been a driving force to ensure a brighter future for local youth and a staunch advocate for his hometown and its residents; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Sam C. Canavos on the occasion of his being honored by the Boys & Girls Club of the Virginia Peninsula at its 25th annual Steak ‘N Burger Dinner; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Sam C. Canavos as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for his steadfast commitment to Newport News and the city’s youth.