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WHEREAS, Alberto G. Benzaquen Rios founded "I Believe in Pittsburgh Day" to celebrate the Pittsburgh Region on April 12, or 4-12; and,
WHEREAS, Alberto, a native of Caracas, Venezuela, was captivated by Pittsburgh's charm as a child, moved here in 2012, settling in Point Breeze, and on Flag Day 2013, Alberto became a naturalized U.S. citizen; and,
WHEREAS, Pittsburgh has become a beacon of hope to cities coming back from the brink and that incredible resiliency is created by a culture of hard work, kindness, and an open nature which can create spaces for new neighbors and natives alike; and,
WHEREAS, Alberto is an example of this spirit, having helped set up El Sistema in Pittsburgh, a 40-year-old non-profit organization active in 62 countries which provides musical intervention to underserved communities and assists on a path out of poverty; and,
WHEREAS, to provide programming and resources to Pittsburgh's growing Latino population, Alberto worked through El Sistema Pittsburgh and Braddock Redux to create Latino Day at Kennywood, to promote culture and development in the region and integrate newly arrived Latino Pittsburghers into the broader community, with funds raised for Sister Janice Vanderneck of Casa San Jose; and,
WHEREAS, Pittsburgh has made believers of us all, as we work to improve the City we so dearly love.
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh hereby declares Sunday, April 12, 2015, "Pittsburgh Believer Day" in the City of Pittsburgh.