HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2000-4732, by Representatives Ogden, Carlson, Dunn, Boldt and Wensman

       WHEREAS, The Southwest Washington Independent Forward Thrust, or SWIFT, is celebrating its twenty-fifth anniversary this year; and

       WHEREAS, Twenty-five years ago, the City of Vancouver celebrated its one hundred fiftieth birthday and hosted an auction to raise money for various celebratory activities; and

       WHEREAS, The success of the auction, which raised twenty-eight thousand dollars, inspired Vancouver's civic leaders to turn the auction into an annual, community-wide affair, and created SWIFT; and

       WHEREAS, SWIFT was formed to create community pride, to expand citizen involvement in the community, to help establish an identity for Vancouver and Clark County, and to raise money for community projects and needs that otherwise would not be met; and

       WHEREAS, SWIFT has awarded two million nine hundred thousand dollars in grants to more than nine hundred nonprofit organizations that benefit people who live or work in Southwest Washington; and

       WHEREAS, SWIFT's commitment to the Southwest Washington community demands that one hundred percent of all auction proceeds be given back to the community through grants; and

       WHEREAS, Driven by volunteer efforts, SWIFT provides an opportunity for people from all backgrounds and experiences to work together and make a difference in the Southwest Washington community; and

       WHEREAS, In the last twenty-five years, more than five hundred civic leaders have volunteered as SWIFT board members; and

       WHEREAS, Through the continual sharing of time, abilities, and resources, SWIFT is not only a community success, but a symbol of the shared pride and spirit visible throughout Southwest Washington;

       NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize and honor SWIFT's contributions to Southwest Washington; and

       BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Co-Chief Clerks of the House of Representatives to the City of Vancouver, and to SWIFT's board of directors.

       I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

       Resolution 4732 adopted by the House of Representatives

                         February 18, 2000.

________________________________       _____________________________

Timothy A. Martin, Co-Chief Clerk    Cynthia Zehnder, Co-Chief Clerk