RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Reverend Gary Graf, the Pastor of St. Gall Parish in Chicago, will be presented with the Heart of Charity Award by the Catholic Charities City Southwest Regional Advisory Board on June 8, 2016; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of this honor by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, Catholic Charities opened the City Southwest Regional Office two years ago to serve the Back of the Yards, Brighton Park, Gage Park, Greater Lawn Marquette, Pilsen and Little Village communities; and
WHEREAS, The regional office is the liaison for the many services offered by Catholic Charities including counseling, immigration, nutrition, Head Start, youth employment and emergency assistance; and
WHEREAS, The Reverend Gary Graf is the first recipient of the Heart of Charity Award which recognizes those who embody the mission of Catholic Charities, as it works to strengthen families and promote self-sufficiency in the area; and
WHEREAS, The Reverend Gary Graf has ministered for five years on the Southwest Side, collaborating with social service agencies and bringing hope to the community; and
WHEREAS, The Reverend Gary Graf is actively involved in community-based projects which reflect Catholic Charities' core values of respect and compassion; and
WHEREAS, A champion of the Latino community who is fluent in Spanish, the Reverend Gary Graf previously served in largely Hispanic parishes before being named Pastor of St. Gall parish in the Gage Park community; and ;
WHEREAS, The awards ceremony will take place in Tully Hall at St. Ignatius College Prep, 1076 West Roosevelt Road; and
WHEREAS, The hard work, sacrifice and dedication of the Reverend Gary Graf serve as an example to all; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members of the Chicago City Council, assembled this eighteenth day of May, 2016, do hereby