Title
Proclamation honoring local business owner Brenda Franklin for her charitable efforts supporting local schools.
Body
WHEREAS, Allegheny County is blessed to have business owners who demonstrate a commitment to improving our local communities; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Brenda Franklin, owner of “Big Mama's House of Soul,” located on Penn Avenue in Pittsburgh's Strip District, has proven herself to be an exemplary citizen and business owner; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Franklin opened “Big Mama's” in April 2007, bringing soul food to hungry Pittsburgh customers from all walks of life, including former Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Bill Cowher and Steelers Wide Receiver Hines Ward; and
WHEREAS, in March 2008, “Big Mama's” was chosen by the CBS Early Show to receive a business makeover with help from Ruth's Chris Steak House; and
WHEREAS, as her business continues to grow, Ms. Franklin has focused on what she is able to bring to the community, combining her love of food and music to serve the residents of Allegheny County; and
WHEREAS, the “Brenda Franklin Fund,” run by the Pittsburgh Foundation, has been created to provide local schools with much-needed musical instruments; and
WHEREAS, the charitable fund is one that Ms. Franklin hopes will grow to include not only assistance for musical programs, but also assistance in the culinary arts, and aid to schools that have closed due to funding issues;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, Allegheny County Council commends Ms. Brenda Franklin for her charitable efforts to support local schools. On behalf of the residents of Allegheny County, we thank you for providing our youth with opportunities to use good food and good music to create brighter futures.