2025 SESSION

INTRODUCED

25107071D

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 715

Offered February 14, 2025

Commending Spreading Smiles at Renatos.

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Patron—Cole

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WHEREAS, after years of serving the community, the owners of Ristorante Renato in Fredericksburg officially established the nonprofit organization Spreading Smiles at Renatos in 2024; and

WHEREAS, Ristorante Renato is a beloved family-owned restaurant that has been a cherished part of the Fredericksburg community since 1978; and

WHEREAS, in response to school closures at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ristorante Renato began providing meals to ensure that no child would go hungry during the crisis; and

WHEREAS, as the pandemic unfolded, Ristorante Renato redoubled its efforts by preparing thousands of meals for the benefit of frontline healthcare workers; and

WHEREAS, recognizing the growing need for food assistance, Ristorante Renato launched a Thanksgiving meal program for elderly individuals and underserved families, an initiative that has since grown into an annual event that serves 1,500 meals each year; and

WHEREAS, Ristorante Renato's efforts evolved over time from an emergency response to a long-term commitment to supporting children and families in need, which led to the founding of Spreading Smiles at Renatos; and

WHEREAS, today, Spreading Smiles at Renatos operates various programs dedicated to food security, education, hygiene, and other needs, such as holiday gifts and Easter baskets, school supplies, meals during summer breaks and snow closures, clothing, and more; and

WHEREAS, in partnership with school social workers, community organizations, and generous donors, Spreading Smiles at Renatos has provided hope, nourishment, and essential resources to enable every child and family in the Fredericksburg community to thrive; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Spreading Smiles at Renatos hereby be commended for its legacy of service upon being officially designated a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Spreading Smiles at Renatos as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for the organization's contributions to Fredericksburg and the Commonwealth.