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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING ALDERMAN MICHAEL SCOTT JR, NATASHEE SCOTT AND LAUREN RAYMOND FOR THEIR COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE IN PROVIDING CULTURAL, EDUCATIONAL, AND MUSIC OPPORTUNITIES IN COOK COUNTY
WHEREAS, The Westside Cultural Foundation (“WCF”) was established in 2012 in an effort to create cultural and educational outlets for the youth, adults, and seniors residing on the West Side of Chicago to support the Chicago Westside Music Festival (WSMF) a free concert produced on the West Side of Chicago; and
WHEREAS, WCF is an emerging organization, led by its President and CEO, Natashee Scott, JD, MBA and its Executive Director Lauren Raymond, JD are skilled, experienced leaders committed to developing a stable, sustainable best practices organization; and
WHEREAS, WCF programs are WSMF and Alvin Ailey Dance Camp are designed to make Chicago’s West Side a destination for arts and culture, and build community cohesion; and
WHEREAS, WCF has successfully produced WSMF for six consecutive years; and
WHEREAS, On August 18, 2018, WSF will continue the tradition by producing its 7th consecutive free outdoor music concert prompting Chicago’s West Side as a safe destination for music, summer festival and family fun. It offers a full day and evening of events in Douglas Park showcasing arts and culture in an area often overlooked; and
WHEREAS, the day is hosted by 24th ward Alderman Michael Scott Jr., for more than 1,500 children and 250 seniors and ends with a concert featuring local as well as national headliners; and
WHEREAS, WSMF has seen more than 45,000 attendees. Each year, 40-50 individuals volunteers support the event along with $175,000 in sponsorships and $25,000 in-kind donations; and
WHEREAS, WCF also co-hosts a free six week Ailey Camp summer camp held at George W. Collins High School in the North Lawndale Community. Now in its third year, the camp serves up to 100 youth annually. The Ailey Camp is a well renowned national program for young people ages 11-14 to learn to dance, develop, discipline, and explore their own creativity. It is designed to assist youth to develop their self confidence in a warm, respected and trusted atmosphere. Attendees are offered classes from experienced trained artist in styles of West African, Jazz, and ballet. Campers also participate in workshops to build leadership, problem solving and communication skills and enjoy a variety of athletic and social activates. In addition WCF host a array of events specifically geared to seniors which includes co-sponsors of a holiday gift program and proud sponsors of the 21st annual Christmas in the Wards, an organization dedicated to providing Christmas gifts to thousands of children in need across the City of Chicago.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that on behalf of the President, the Cook County Board of Commissioners and the 5. 4 million residents of Cook County take great pleasure in honoring and celebrating Alderman Michael Scott Jr, Natashee Scott and Lauren Raymond for their leadership, dedication and commitment to the West side of Chicago transforming lives through cultural, educational and music experiences, herewith express our sincere gratitude for your service to the community.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution is spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body and that an official copy of the same be tendered to Alderman Michel Scott Jr, Natashee Scott and Lauren Raymond in honor of this auspicious occasion.
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