Record #: R2017-921   
Type: Resolution Status: Adopted
Intro date: 11/8/2017 Current Controlling Legislative Body:
Final action: 11/8/2017
Title: Gratitude extended to Midnight Circus in the Park for fundraising efforts for Puerto Rico residents
Sponsors: Waguespack, Scott, Moreno, Proco Joe, Hopkins, Brian , Sawyer, Roderick T., Harris, Michelle A., Cardenas, George A., Santiago, Milagros, Napolitano, Anthony V., Pawar, Ameya, Reboyras, Ariel, Villegas, Gilbert, Ramirez-Rosa, Carlos, Solis, Daniel, Maldonado, Roberto, Munoz, Ricardo, Lopez, Raymond A.
Attachments: 1. R2017-921.pdf

 

 

City Council Meeting November 8, 2017

 

 

City Council Honors Midnight Circus in the Park for Its Efforts to Help Puerto Rico

 

WHEREAS, Midnight Circus in the Parks is all about community, family, and the power of live performance to have a positive impact long after the performance has ended; and

 

WHEREAS, Founded in 2007 by Chicagoans Jeff Jenkins and Julie Greenberg in their neighborhood park, Welles Park; and

 

WHEREAS, The goal was to bring the neighborhood together in their local park to see the circus, raise funds to rebuild the playground and create a sense of community that would remain long after the show was over; and

 

WHEREAS, That initial weekend of shows was so successful the program has grown exponentially over the last 11 years. Midnight Circus in the Parks now tours across Chicago every summer playing to approx.15,000 people and has raised nearly 1 million dollars for the parks they play; and

 

WHEREAS, When Puerto Rico was devastated by Hurricane Maria, Midnight Circus in the Parks felt compelled to help; and

 

WHEREAS, The Midnight Circus in the Parks Core Committee came together and crafted a plan to mobilize people and organizations from all across Chicago to answer the call and help Puerto Rico; and

 

WHEREAS, They partnered with the American Red Cross of Chicago & Northern Illinois/ CEO Selena Roldon and added a Benefit Show for Puerto Rico to the final weekend of the tour; and

 

WHEREAS, Every performer, staff member, vendor and organization involved donated 100% of their time, talent and resources. Every dollar raised was going to help the people of Puerto Rico; and

 

WHEREAS, The show took place in Welles Park on Thursday October 12, 2017; and

 

WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council would like to recognize the hard work and dedication of Midnight Circus in the Parks, we would also like to recognize their various partners such as the American Red Cross of Chicago & Northern Illinois, Park Advisory Council Members from across Chicago, community members and high school students, politicians, local businesses, Chicago Park District Staff, and The Mayors Office; and

 

WHEREAS, Midnight Circus Sold Out their Benefit for Puerto Rico Performance in one day and raised $18,000 for the cause; and

 

WHEREAS, It exceeded expectations and proved once again a small group of committed community members can make a real difference.

 

BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and members of the Chicago City Council, gathered

 

 

here on this 8th day of November, 2017, do hereby recognize the efforts of Midnight Circus in the Park and their partners for their incredible fundraising efforts for the residents of Puerto Rico; and

Arweya Pawar Arderman, 47th Ward

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented Midnight Circus in the Park.