Title
To recognize and commend Mari Sunami for her 15 years of distinguished service as Director of the South Side Settlement House on the occasion of her retirement.
Body
WHEREAS, Mari has selflessly dedicated over 15 years of her life to public service, serving as Director of the South Side Settlement House; and
WHEREAS, upon assuming her role in 1993 she has surpassed incredible milestones including a $2 million dollar capital campaign to renovate and improve the South Side Settlement House; and
WHEREAS, Mari has been an inspirational and influential leader having conducted a year-long series of events to celebrate the centennial of the South Side Settlement House as well as starting an endowment for the Settlement, which has grown from the initial $10,000 investment to more than $135,000; and
WHEREAS, Mari has been an active supporter for the arts through a variety of outlets including showcasing local amateur and professional artists at the Bread and Roses Tea event as well as presenting the Arts Freedom Awards since 2000; and
WHEREAS, Mari's work has provided countless opportunities to the residents of Columbus including the creation of a program to assist Somali immigrants, as well as through her efforts with AccessHealth, the Parsons Avenue Revitalization Project, the Community Housing Coalition, CAPCity Kids program at Stockbridge Elementary School, and the summer program at Lincoln Park ES, and
WHEREAS, Mari has embodied the South Side Settlement House's vision to instill within Columbus residents a sense of personal responsibility and community pride through her role with the Home Day Care Providers project in which she trained and assisted participants to start their own businesses and provide quality care in their own neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, Mari has graciously provided her leadership experience throughout her tenure to numerous organizations including the Boards of Directors for William H Thomas, Gallery, ArtSafe Foundation, OhioHealth, Doctor's Hospital, and Community Housing; now, therefore
Be it resolved by the Council of the City of Columbus:
That this Council does hereby recognize and congratulate Mari Sunami for her many years of dedication and service to the residents of Columbus.