A house RESOLUTION

 

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR GLORIA RICKENBACKER-HUTTO OF ORANGEBURG, FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT OF THE RICKENBACKER XCEL FOUNDATION, FOR HER MANY YEARS OF TIRELESS SERVICE RAISING FUNDS FOR ALZHEIMER'S RESEARCH.

 

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to salute the founder and president of the Rickenbacker Xcel Foundation, Gloria Rickenbacker-Hutto, who has dedicated many years to the worthy goal of raising funds for Alzheimer's research; and

 

Whereas, the Rickenbacker Xcel Foundation hosts an annual black-tie gala for the benefit of Alzheimer's research. In December 1996, Gloria, daughter of the late Saul Rickenbacker Sr., joined with other family members to inaugurate the gala. The event first opened at the Kappa Kastle but quickly outgrew that building, moved to another location, and hosted there for two decades. The organization was hosting from its third location when Covid struck; and

 

Whereas, for Gloria Rickenbacker-Hutto's founding efforts, the City of Orangeburg declared December 17 as Gloria Rickenbacker-Hutto Day. During the Covid pandemic, a drive-by celebration was held in 2021 in honor of Gloria Rickenbacker-Hutto. In 2022, a balloon release was held at Williams & Williams Law Firm and in the following year, a candlelight vigil was held at the same location. Following the end of Covid, the organization returned to a former location, The Premier, for the next two years and presently hosts from the Garden Room; and

 

Whereas, the surviving Rickenbacker children and grandchildren have fond memories of a loving father and grandfather, Saul Rickenbacker Sr., who raised them to work for what they have and to maintain independence and respect. The children eventually watched their father sink into the abyss that is Alzheimer's and decided to take a stand against the disease that robbed the family patriarch of his good health. The Rickenbacker family's annual black-tie gala in support of Alzheimer's research was inspired by Saul Rickenbacker and is held in his honor; and

 

Whereas, for more than two decades, led by Gloria Rickenbacker-Hutto, the Rickenbacker family has sponsored this annual holiday gala and dinner dance to raise money for Alzheimer's research, and the gala has brought forth thousands of dollars supporting the project. This funding is especially important to Orangeburg, as the city is ranked eighth nationwide in prevalence of Alzheimer's; and

 

Whereas, Gloria Rickenbacker-Hutto and her family have received the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina's highest civilian award, for their efforts. The Rickenbackers also have been presented with a proclamation from the City of Orangeburg and have earned other awards throughout the years. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor Gloria Rickenbacker-Hutto of Orangeburg, founder and president of the Rickenbacker Xcel Foundation, for her many years of tireless service raising funds for Alzheimer's research.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Gloria Rickenbacker-Hutto.

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