CONGK4 TULA TIONS EXTENDED TO SAM CANNIZZARO ON RECEIVING THE MEDAL OF MERIT BY THE
SIC1LLIAN AMERICAN CULTURAL ASSOCIATION
WHEREAS, Sam F. Cannizzaro, a family law attorney and partner of the respected Chicago law firm of Birnbaum, Haddon, Gelfman & Arnous, LLC. is the proud and well deserved recipient of the 2018 Medal of Merit by the Sicilian American Cultural Association; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of this special occasion by the Honorable Margaret Laurino, Alderman of the 39th Ward; and
WHEREAS, On Sunday, September 16, 2018, the Sicilian American Cultural Association (SACA) will host a luncheon honoring Sam Cannizzaro, President-Elect and Past President of the SACA, to present him with the 2018 Medal of Merit; and
WHEREAS, Sam began his employment at Monastero's Ristorante, the birthplace and driving force of SACA, as a busboy and singing waiter. For the past 15 years, Sam has been incredibly involved with the SACA including serving as President for two years and most recently served as Sergeant at Arms. He worked effortlessly promoting the organization, increasing the membership and furthering its charitable goals; and,
WHEREAS, Sam has been very involved in many other professional, charitable and civic activities. He served multiple terms on the Illinois State Bar's Association Assembly including as committee chairperson, the Chicago Bar Association, and the Association of Trial Lawyers of American. Sam recently received the Justinian Society of Lawyers' prestigious Judge Gerald L. Sbarboro Award for mentoring younger lawyers; and
WHEREAS, Sam volunteered as a moot court judge on behalf of several associations in gratitude for the moot court experiences he had as a law student at Loyola University School of Law. A true beneficiary of the Jesuit educational experience, he also graduated from the Loyola University of Chicago School of Business and Loyola Academy High School in Wilmette, Illinois; and
WHEREAS, As if life wasn't busy enough, for years Sam served on the board of directors and as president of the Edgebrook/Sauganash Chamber of Commerce. A faithful parishioner at Queen of All Saints Church, Sam performed as cantor and song leader for decades; and
WHEREAS, Sam dedicated time from his busy schedule to serve as the President of The ChiSox Club, a fan club that raised money for Camps One Step at a Time, a retreat for children with serious illnesses. He was a wish granter for Make-A-Wish Illinois for 15 years, a service he finds quite rewarding; and
WHEREAS, Sam and his lovely wife of 31 years, Cindy, and their amazing children, Francesca and Vito, reside on the northwest side of Chicago in the Edgebrook Community and are blessed to live next door to his 102 year old Sicilian American mother, Frances. Although his charitable and professional contributions are significant, Sam's pride, joy, and heart remain with his family; now, therefore
Be It Resolved, That we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, gathered here this twentieth day of September 2018 do hereby offer our heartiest congratulations to Sam F. Cannizzaro on his receiving the 2018 Medal of Merit and continued success; and
Be It Further Resolved, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to Sam F. Cannizzaro.