Resolution 080937

..Title Recognizing, Honoring, And Celebrating Thomas "Tommy" Hilfiger - For his many Contributions and Philanthropic endeavors - such as his role as a member of the Executive Leadership Cabinet for the Washington D.C., Martin Luther King, Jr., National Memorial. ..Body WHEREAS, In 1969, while still in high school, Hilfiger began his retail career with $150 and 20 pairs of bell-bottom jeans; and WHEREAS, When Tommy Hilfiger launched his first signature menswear collection in 1985, his updated take on button-down shirts, chinos, and other time-honored classics immediately struck a chord with consumers and in less than 2 years, the line had netted $11 million; and WHEREAS, Today, his collections include an entire range of products to suit all the lifestyle needs of the modern consumer; and WHEREAS, In November of 2002, Hilfiger was selected as GQ Magazine's International Designer of the Year Award recipient in Germany; and WHEREAS, That same month, the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) organization presented Hilfiger with the Future of America Award, D.A.R.E.'s highest honor, for his philanthropic efforts for America's youth; and WHEREAS, Hilfiger launched the Tommy Hilfiger Corporate Foundation in 1995, to enrich the physical and intellectual well being of youth with a major emphasis on education and cultural programs that impact a diverse population; and WHEREAS, Hilfiger is actively involved in a number of charities and causes, including the Washington D.C. Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation and the Anti-Defamation League; and WHEREAS, He has also served on the board of directors for The Fresh Air Fund, a New York based group that has been sending underprivileged children to summer camp since 1877, and the Race to Erase MS (Multiple Sclerosis) since 1994; and RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That City Council Hereby Recognize, Honor, And Celebrate Thomas "Tommy" Hilfiger - For his many Contributions and Philanthropic endeavors - such as his role as a member of the Executive Leadership Cabinet for the Washington D.C., Martin Luther King, Jr., National Memorial. FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Thomas Hilfiger as further evidencing the sincere admiration and gratitude of this legislative body. ..End