WHEREAS, Bruce Thompson, the chief executive officer of Gold Key PHR Hotels and Resorts and a respected philanthropist in the Virginia Beach community, was chosen by the Virginia Beach Jaycees as the 2012 First Citizen of Virginia Beach; and

WHEREAS, the First Citizen of Virginia Beach award is presented to the individual who best embodies the Jaycee Creed and exemplifies the organization's spirit of citizenship and leadership by devoting time, talents, and efforts toward the betterment of Virginia Beach; and

WHEREAS, Bruce Thompson not only has been a force in the city's tourism industry but also has made significant contributions to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research; and

WHEREAS, the JT Walk and Beach Party, which was created by Bruce Thompson in 2007 to honor his son who has ALS, has made significant contributions to the ALS Association, awarding grants to individuals and organizations studying various treatments; and

WHEREAS, Bruce Thompson was instrumental in the creation of Grommet Island Beach Park and Playground, which is the first fully accessible facility of its kind for the disabled; and

WHEREAS, Bruce Thompson has given generously to a host of local organizations, including the Virginia Small Business Financial Authority, the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, the Virginia Aquarium, and the Hampton Roads Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Foundation; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend a dedicated and distinguished Virginian, Bruce Thompson, for being named the 2012 First Citizen of Virginia Beach; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Bruce Thompson as an expression of the General Assembly's respect and admiration for his tireless and devoted service to the Virginia Beach community.