SJ248: Commending The Giving Circle of HOPE.

WHEREAS, the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce and Reston Interfaith honored The Giving Circle of HOPE with a "Best of Reston" award; and

WHEREAS, the goals of The Giving Circle of HOPE are to encourage a sense of community, increase public awareness of local needs, encourage self-sufficiency and well-being among those in need, and promote volunteerism and effective philanthropy; and

WHEREAS, The Giving Circle of HOPE has awarded grants to many local nonprofit organizations that serve their communities, including, in 2005, the Arlington Free Clinic, Brain Injury Services, Empowered Women International, Kids R First, and the Northern Virginia AIDS Ministry; and

WHEREAS, The Giving Circle of HOPE also participates in monthly service projects and organizes weekly programs for homeless children and elderly and disabled members of the community; and

WHEREAS, founded by four friends in 2004, The Giving Circle of HOPE has already awarded over $80,000 in grants and has performed more than 1,850 hours of community service; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend The Giving Circle of HOPE for its valuable service to the citizens of Northern Virginia; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to The Giving Circle of HOPE as an expression of the General Assembly's best wishes for future success in its mission.