WHEREAS, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners recognizes that families are an essential part of the cultural, social and spiritual fabric and strong families are at the center of strong communities; and

WHEREAS, neighborhood organizations, businesses, nonprofit agencies, policymakers and families themselves have a role to play in making families successful; and

WHEREAS, during the week of October 31 through November 7, 2009, Orange County residents will take time to honor the importance of families and recognize the special connections that support and strengthen them throughout the year; and

WHEREAS, this is a special opportunity for Orange County families to recommit to enhancing and extending all of the connections that strengthen and enrich this most valuable institution; and

WHEREAS, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners, its Citizens' Commission for Children, and its 13 Neighborhood Centers for Families, are proud to join the Week of the Family Foundation, as well as many agencies and organizations throughout the county, to honor and celebrate our families;

NOW THEREFORE, I, Richard T. Crotty, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Orange County Mayor, do hereby proclaim the week of October 31 through November 7, 2009 as

WEEK OF THE FAMILY

in Orange County, Florida, and urge all families to take this time to share in the many activities prepared for this occasion.

DONE AND ORDERED this 27th day of October, 2009.