HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-04 Recognition of First Lady Betty FordProclamation No. 4, Series of 2011
RECOGNITION OF FIRST LADY BETTY FORD
The Vail Town Council honors First Lady Betty Ford for her outstanding commitment and
community service to Vail, Colorado. Mrs. Ford's leadership in many areas including government,
family, health issues, including breast cancer awazeness and drug and alcohol addiction, dance,
gardening and advocating for women's rights and equal rights made her an integral part of the Vail,
Beaver Creek and Eagle County communities.
President Gerald R. Ford and Mrs. Ford first came to Vail in the seventies, which began a long and
steadfast relationship with Vail residents.
And Whereas, through her leadership she has inspired countless others and enriched the
lives of adults and children within the Town of Vail, Eagle County, the State of Colorado, the
United States and internationally;
And Whereas, from 1988-201 l, Mrs. Ford has been a continued presence at many Vail
events including the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, the Ford Amphitheater, the Christmas Tree
Lightings in Vail and has inspired those she has served;
And Whereas, in 1982, Mrs. Ford served as co-chair of the Susan G. Komen Foundation
and was given the first "Peace Rose" (now called the Betty Ford Award) to recognize her prominent
role in supporting breast cancer education and research;
And Whereas, in 1982, she also founded the Betty Ford Center for drug and alcohol
addicts;
And Whereas, in 1988, she gave permission to use her name for the alpine gardens as the
Betty Ford Alpine Gardens for her many contributions to the Vail community;
And Whereas, in 1989, she helped found the Vail International Dance Festival;
And Whereas, in 1999, Betty and Gerald R. Ford aze awarded the Congressional Gold
Medal for dedicated public service and outstanding humanitarian contributions. This medal
represents Congress' highest expression of appreciation and is inscribed, "Lives of Service,
Examples of Integrity;"
And Whereas, in 2005, she was honored as Vail's "first lady" at the Beriy Ford Alpine
Gardens in Vail.
Therefore Be It Resolved, this 19�' day of July, 2011, the Vail Town Council proclaims
and records Betty Ford's courage, compassion and contributions to the education, support,
enrichment and enhancement of life in the Town of Vail and her effort to inspire countless others
with in the Town of Vail and Eagle County. As well, Saturday, August 6, 2011, will be celebrated
as Betty Ford Day.
Attest:
Dick Cleveland, Town of Vail Mayor