2025S0471-1 08/11/25     By: Eckhardt S.R. No. 54       SENATE RESOLUTION          WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to   recognize Children's Emergency Relief International on the   occasion of the ribbon-cutting ceremony and dedication of the   George M. Cowden Building as the organization's new Austin   headquarters on August 15, 2025; and          WHEREAS, Children's Emergency Relief International is a   nonprofit organization that works to provide long-term care for   orphans, vulnerable children, and their families in crisis; with   programs in countries including Guatemala, Sri Lanka, Moldova,   South Africa, and India, CERI provides humanitarian aid, medical   attention, and spiritual guidance to support children and   families living in impoverished conditions so that they may grow   to live healthy, productive lives; and          WHEREAS, CERI's new Austin headquarters is dedicated to   George M. Cowden, longtime general counsel for the Texas-based   FirstDay Foundation, which supports CERI, and a former member of   the Texas House of Representatives; the new headquarters will   house CERI's central operations and will also offer a space for   other Austin-area nonprofit organizations to utilize; and          WHEREAS, A principled leader and a devoted public servant,   George M. Cowden served his fellow Texans not only as a   legislator but also in the role of first assistant attorney   general; he was appointed to chair the Texas Board of Insurance   by Governor Connally and was appointed chair of the Public   Utility Commission by Governor Briscoe; he later served as   director of the Baptist Foundation of Texas and has served as a   Baylor University trustee; and          WHEREAS, In dedicating its new Austin headquarters as the   George M. Cowden Building, CERI recognizes a man whose commitment   to the public good has made a positive and lasting difference,   and he has done much to strengthen the organization's local   outreach and its global impact and to progress the worthy cause   of helping children in need; now, therefore, be it          RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th   Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby commend Children's   Emergency Relief International on its exemplary efforts to   further its vital humanitarian mission and extend to all best   wishes for a memorable ribbon-cutting ceremony and dedication of   the George M. Cowden Building; and, be it further          RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for   the organization in honor of this special occasion.