H.R. No. 1496
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Driscoll Children's Hospital of Corpus Christi
celebrated its 60th anniversary on April 2, 2013, with the
dedication of a historical marker honoring its founder, Clara
Driscoll; and
WHEREAS, A generous gift from Driscoll Foundation trustee Joe
Fulton and his wife, Fran, the marker celebrates the life of an
illustrious Texas businesswoman, philanthropist, and historic
preservationist; Clara Driscoll was born in St. Mary's, near
present-day Bayside, on April 2, 1881, to a family already
established in South Texas for half a century; often called the
"Savior of the Alamo" for her instrumental role in the purchase of
the famous mission when it was slated for demolition in the early
1900s, she later donated her home in Austin to the Texas Fine Arts
Association for use as a museum and served as vice chair of the
Texas Centennial Exposition executive board; Clara Driscoll also
took a keen interest in politics and served for 16 years as the
Democratic Party's national committeewoman from Texas; at her death
in 1945, she bequeathed most of her fortune for the establishment of
a children's hospital in Corpus Christi; and
WHEREAS, Driscoll Children's Hospital opened with 25 beds in
1953 and originally served a five-county area in the Coastal Bend;
today, this exceptional institution has grown to 189 beds and
provides treatment to children in 31 South Texas counties; each
year, Driscoll admits some 6,500 children for inpatient care, more
than 3,500 for day surgery, approximately 40,000 for emergency
care, and 132,000 for outpatient care; and
WHEREAS, To further its mission of providing high-quality
medical services for newborns, infants, and children, the hospital
is embarking on a $12 million emergency department renovation that
will increase its capacity to treat life-threatening injuries; and
WHEREAS, Driscoll Children's Hospital is an asset of
immeasurable value to the citizens of South Texas, and it is a
privilege to recognize both the hospital and its founder during
this milestone year; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
Legislature hereby honor Clara Driscoll and Driscoll Children's
Hospital on the occasion of the hospital's 60th anniversary and
extend to the hospital's physicians, nurses, administrators, and
staff sincere best wishes for continued success in their vital
endeavors; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Driscoll Children's Hospital as an expression of high
regard by the Texas House of Representatives.
Herrero
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1496 was adopted by the House on April
24, 2013, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House