RESOLUTION NO. 211104

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Recognizing the efforts of Sonia Warshawski to enrich the lives of everyone she meets, and declaring December 21, 2021, as “Big Sonia Day.”

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WHEREAS, Sonia Warshawski continues to be an honored and productive citizen of the greater metropolitan Kansas City area since immigrating from Poland in 1948; and

WHEREAS, Sonia Warshawski is the heart of the multi-award winning feature documentary film “Big Sonia” which takes place in Kansas City and highlights her efforts to educate the public about the Holocaust and help heal the world through her message of tolerance #LoveOverHate. The film has received 29 distinguished awards for best documentary film and has been accepted to PBS for a national launch in April 2022; and

WHEREAS, Sonia Warshawski presented her documentary to the U.S. Congress, and was recognized for her inspiring journey and endless efforts to the community; and

WHEREAS, Sonia Warshawski has demonstrated a unique ability to deeply affect a broad cross-section of our citizenry including middle and high school youth, male and female inmates, the business community, members of every faith, and first and second-generation immigrants. A recent interactive legacy interview with Sonia will be released in April 2022 and will allow viewers to engage in conversation with Sonia; and

WHEREAS, Sonia Warshawski has persevered in maintaining and operating John’s Tailor Shop providing both tailoring services and a haven for customers young and old to share their stories and seek advice; and

WHEREAS, Sonia Warshawski has devoted countless hours away from her friends, her business and her family to honor the memory of her forebears and become a voice for tolerance and truth. For your constant efforts to make Kansas City and the world a better place, we say, thank you; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:

That the Mayor and Council hereby acknowledge the importance of recognizing Holocaust Survivor, Sonia Warshawski, and her efforts in education about the Holocaust and declare December 21, 2021, as “Big Sonia Day”; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be spread upon the Minutes of the Council in testimony thereof and that a copy hereof be presented to Sonia Warshawski as a token of the appreciation of the Mayor and Council for her many years engaging in small acts of kindness that have had a BIG impact in service to our City, and of their best wishes for all the years to come.

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