Title
Proclamation commending Sister Marilyn Bergt, Coordinator of Community Service and La Roche College volunteers for their dedication and commitment to assisting the dislocated families affected by Hurricane Katrina.
Body
WHEREAS, La Roche College, located in McCandless Township, County of Allegheny, is an institution of higher learning, with a total enrollment of 1,812, and is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools; and
WHEREAS, by enabling women and men of wide-ranging backgrounds and ages to deepen their inner lives, cultivate their intellectual power, and achieve their professional goals, La Roche contributes to the advancement of the human community; and
WHEREAS, in 2005, in the wake of the destruction of Hurricane Katrina, La Roche College volunteers helped hurricane evacuees at the Disaster Assistance Center, located at the Pittsburgh Project, by organizing the collection and distribution of basic household items for 5 families in need; and
WHEREAS, in December, Sister Marilyn Bergt, CDP, coordinator of community service, traveled to St. Augustine High School in New Orleans, Louisiana, to assess how La Roche volunteers might be able to lend a hand in rebuilding the school. In addition to sending a total amount of $4,500 to St. Augustine High School and another badly damaged school, La Roche volunteers tutored youth and dry-walled a school activity building. They also provided “band-aid” to St. Mary's Academy, replacing all of their damaged or lost musical instruments; and
WHEREAS, by donating their time and energy to selflessly serve others, La Roche College volunteers demonstrate the compassion and generosity for which Americans are known. Their service paves the way to a brighter future for our citizens and people around the world;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Allegheny County Council hereby recognizes and commends Sister Marilyn Bergt and La Roche College for their dedication and commitment to assisting the dislocated families affected by Hurricane Katrina. Their response in Allegheny County and the Gulf Coast has been characterized by unprecedented collaboration, a spirit of good will and cooperation which serves as an inspiration to us all.