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WHEREAS, Rose Morris founded the Safety Sleeper as a way to keep her son with autism spectrum safe at night from night wanderings, temper melt-downs and sleeping issues; and,
WHEREAS, the Safety Sleeper has helped families all over the world with children or adults suffering from a variety of mental and physical challenges that puts them at risk for unsafe situations at night; and,
WHEREAS, in continuing her efforts to help families who have children with special needs, Rose Morris co-founded with Jackie Smolinski the volunteer-ran non-profit organization Fund It Forward which aims to help families obtain the medical or adaptive equipment needed to create a functional environment for children with special needs which is not covered by health insurance; and,
WHEREAS, the organization operates on a pay it forward model whereby families
in need of medical or adaptive equipment are required to participate in fundraising
efforts as part of their application process giving rise to families going beyond their
own circumstances to touch the lives of others; and,
WHEREAS, Fund It Forward hosts an annual Gala to honor teachers, therapists and other individuals influential in the lives of persons with special needs; and,
WHEREAS, this year's Gala will held on Saturday, November 15, 2014 at The Duquesne Club where the “Daily Difference” award will be presented to Mrs. Cathy Smallman, who makes a positive daily impact as a special education aid for Wexford Elementary School and the “Spirit of the Community” award will be presented to Doug Muetzle, CEO of Wesley Spectrum who helps to raise awareness for the special needs community; and,
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby commend Rose Morris and Jackie Smolinski for being assets to families who have children or adults with special needs because of the services they provide with heartfelt passion; and,
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the...
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