Title
Declaring Thursday, November 24, 2011, to be Thanksgiving Meals on Wheels Day.
Body
WHEREAS, in the fall of 1969, a compassionate pair of young Saint Paulites, Bill Foussard and Barb Olson, were enlightened by a family in need who were unable to enjoy something many people cherish and so often take for grantedÂ…Thanksgiving dinner; and
WHEREAS, the following year that experience turned to inspiration and with great charity in their hearts, Bill and Barb gathered friends to serve up some goodwill and Thanksgiving dinner for 24 people - 3 whole families; and
WHEREAS, this first act of kindness became the hallmark for a new tradition of giving and the foundation of what has become "Thanksgiving Meals on Wheels," a massive annual event in which hundreds of people come together to fulfill the simple message of the golden rule; and
WHEREAS, throughout its 42 year history, "Thanksgiving Meals on Wheels" has truly gathered the masses and left a significant impact on thousands of volunteers and an entire community; and
WHEREAS; "Thanksgiving Meals on Wheels" has grown significantly over the years from its humble roots preparing this year to serve dinner to an astonishing 17,000 people affecting the lives of more than 3,000 families throughout the Twin Cities Area; and
WHEREAS, thanks to the selfless offering of time, talent and vision of its founders Bill Foussard and Barb Olson, its generous partners like Schroeder Milk, Cretin-Derham Hall High School, Arctic Glacier Ice, Hormel Meats, Second Harvest Heartland, Target Corporation, and Rainbow Foods, and the thousands of volunteers who over the years have stepped up to help their fellow citizens, "Thanksgiving Meals on Wheels" continues to be a strong and vibrant example of charity in every sense of the word; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of Saint Paul hereby declares Thursday, November 24th, 2011 to be
"Thanksgiving Meals on Wheels" Day
in the great City of Saint Paul, Minnesota.