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WHEREAS, Roberta London, who moved to Pittsburgh from Boston in 2001, now lives in Shadyside and works as a compliance manager at PNC Bank; and
WHEREAS, London volunteers her time as a Big Sister through the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh, a program which matches children facing adversity with strong and enduring one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better; and
WHEREAS, London, who as a single child always wanted a little brother, went against the norm and asked to be matched with a boy; and
WHEREAS, London was matched with Ishemer Ramsey of Butler, then seven years old, who, as the son of a single father, was in need of a strong, female role model; and
WHEREAS, London and Ishemer, now 17, see each other at least twice a month, going on outings to Kennywood, the Carnegie Science Center, and local sporting events, as well as trips to Washington, DC and Baltimore; and
WHEREAS, beyond simply enjoying activities together, London has served as a role model to Ishmer, encouraging his love for books and his athletic pursuits, and inspiring him to dream bigger and seek admission to college;
WHEREAS, this year, London was selected Pennsylvania's Big Sister of the Year by the Big Brothers Big Sisters State Association of Pennsylvania, recognizing her giving spirit and selfless generosity; and
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize Roberta London and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh for fostering and supporting the dreams of Pittsburgh's youth and making Pittsburgh a better place for all of us, one child at a time; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare March 26, 2013 to be "Roberta London Day" in the City of Pittsburgh.