Whereas, Dick’s Last Resort hosts an annual holiday party in partnership with the 18th District Community Policing office which benefits underprivileged children;

Whereas, the first party was held in December 1990; and

Whereas, Kathy Posner collaborated with then Commander of the 18th Police District, Ettore Devito, to invite children from Cabrini Green to create an event to benefit area children who would not otherwise have much of a holiday celebration; and

Whereas, event creator, Kathy Posner has coordinated the annual holiday party every year for 26 years with Dick’s manager Paul Grieshaber; and

Whereas, about 1,800 children have attended the party since its inception; and

Whereas, the 18th District Police Commander Paul Bauer and officers of the 18th District attended the event; and

Whereas, each year the 18th District Community Policing office invites approximately 60 children from area schools and churches; and

Whereas, those children are identified a month before the party so that Dick’s manager, Paul Grieshaber, can shop for gifts for each individual child; and

Whereas, Dick’s owner, Steve Schiff has spent more than $75,000 for the gifts during the past 26 years; and

Whereas, Dick’s provides a full buffet holiday dinner for the children and their chaperones; and

Whereas, each child is called by name at the party to come to the stage and receive their special gifts from Santa; and

Whereas, students from VanderCook College of Music have performed carols at the event for the last ten years; and

Whereas, Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, who has attended the party for the last 15 years, speaks to the children about the importance of staying in school and not getting involved in gangs, now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to Kathy Posner, Steve Schiff and the staff of Dick’s Last Resort.