SALUTE TO DOLORES "DUTCHIE" CARAY
WHEREAS, On August 22, 2014, Dutchie Caray, the doyenne of Chicago baseball and wife of the late Harry Caray, an iconic sports broadcaster, celebrated her 85th Birthday; and
WHEREAS, Dutchie Caray started life in St. Louis, Missouri as Delores Goldmanm. Her Dutch ancestry earned her the moniker she is known by to this day. She was working as a waitress at the time she met her future husband who was already famous as the St. Louis Cardinals announcer for more than a quarter-century. She was raising five kids and had been divorced for only a few years but Harry Caray persevered, pursuing her from the time they first met in 1969; and
WHEREAS, For six years, even after Harry had moved to Oakland, California and eventually to this city, he continued the courtship by flying back to St. Louis on his days off. Although being the third wife of the "Mayor of Rush Street" was not a life Dutchie was contemplating for herself and her brood, she finally gave in and they were married on May 19, 1975 at the Ambassador East Hotel on Chicago's Gold Coast; and
WHEREAS, Dutchie and Harry Caray's subsequent 23 year marriage ended only with his passing on Valentine's Day in 1998. Now, Dutchie Caray's blended family includes 5 children, 5 step-children, 4 grandchildren and 13 step-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Dutchie Caray remains active as an ambassador of her late husband's namesake restaurants: Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse in Chicago, Lombard and Rosemont, Harry Caray's Tavern Navy Pier, Holy Mackerel! Seafood and Harry Caray's Seventh Inning Stretch where she talks to fans and occasionally will make appearances on radio and television to talk about their promotions and events; and
WHEREAS, When Dutchie is not dining at one of the restaurants, she spends much of her free time honing her exceptional cooking skills, working on needlepoint and knitting as well as cheering for the Chicago Cubs; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Robert W. Fioretti, Alderman of the 2nd Ward, has apprised this august body of the significant milestone achieved and tremendous contributions made by Dutchie Caray; now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and members of the City of Chicago City Council, assembled here this 10lh day of September, 2014 AD, salute Dutchie Caray for her many civic contributions and extend our very best wishes for health, happiness and continued success in all she endeavors to do in the future.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to Dutchie Caray