ORDINANCE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO:
SECTION 1. Pursuant to an ordinance heretofore passed by the City Council which allows for the erection of honorary street-name signs, the Commissioner of the Department of Transportation shall take all necessary action forthe standardization of West 51st Street, both sides ofthe street, between South Washtenaw Ave. and South Talman Ave. as "Edward J. Schmit Jr. Way."
SECTION 2. This ordinance shall take effect upon its passage and publication.
EDWARD M. BURKE Alderman, 14th Ward
Date: ^ V
Office of Budget and Management 121 N. LaSalle, Room 604 Chicago, IL 60602
To Whom It May Concern:
, Alderman of the / ^/^Ward, hereby authorize the Office of Budget Management to withdraw the funds associated with the cost-of installation for this honorary street designation for £u Us*r ^ 3 , jC/IS* / T~ -3^ (j-Jc\\J from my: '
Ward's annual menu program budget - }<j l4tn^
□ Ward's aldermanic expanse allowance
upon passage ofthis designation ordinance, pursuant to Section 2-8-040 ofthe Chicago Municipal Code.
Sincerely,
Alderman
6/1/2017
Biography
Edward J. Schmit Jr. grew up in Gage Park and raised his five children there. He and his family were well established in the community and contributing members of St. Simon School and Church.
Edward was hired by Continental Can Company in the Research and Development Division as a research technician. He was the only technician hired based solely on his High School technical training. He retired from Continental Can Company after 22 years as facilities manager.
In 1973, Edward founded the Teddy Bear Day Camp Group "Teddy Bear/' and with the help of his entire family the business has grown to six locations which serve thousands of children for the last 47 years. The company has been an avid supporter of Gage Park and surrounding communities sponsoring the Gage Park baseball league for several years. Edward has served his alma mater, St. Rita High School as an officer ofthe Fathers Club, a member ofthe Valentine Dinner Dance Committee, and is a member of the St. Rita High School Board of Directors since 1986. He was involved with the acquisition of St. Rita's new campus in 1990 and has been a major benefactor and loyal supporter of St. Rita High School for many years. He is a true Rita Man.
Teddy Bear, Edward, his wife Debbie, five children, and many grandchildren have stayed closely connected to Gage Park and continue to serve its children and families.
Reason for Honoring
Mr. Edward J. Schmit Jr. has been an outstanding citizen and supporter to the Gage Park area and surrounding communities through his business, Teddy Bear by contributing thousands of dollars to families in need through services and donations to not-for-profits.