Woodridge Mayor Gina Cunningham’s Inauguration Celebration May 5, 2013

Text of Woodridge Mayor Gina Cunningham’s Inauguration Speech:

Thank you all so much for being here today to celebrate this very special day with us! Special thanks to the Goodrich School Student Government Class for being here today at our Inauguration.  It means so much to me.  I don’t know if the students know I grew up in Woodridge.  I am so thankful to them for sharing this with me.  It holds special meaning for me and we have an absolutely beautiful day for an Inauguration.  We are so blessed!

I am here today standing before you with a grateful heart –Woodridge! On behalf of all those elected and newly elected… we so appreciate all the support, trust and friendship.   

Thank you for being our inspiration to serve and do excellent works in the community we love!

Thank you for your generous spirit, your kindness and for supporting us! 

Thank you for helping us achieve important goals in our life.

Thank you for standing with us so we could build on our dreams!

Thank you for believing and entrusting your faith in us.

Thank you to those who have inspired us in our lives – those with us today and to those who are no longer with us.  Your love, compassion and legacy are with us always and will live on through us!   

Thank you to Mayor Murphy for your outstanding example of a life well lived in service to others.  Your leadership, stewardship and belief in our community and in each of us, help to guide us going forward in excellence.  Your love of Woodridge and our community along with your dedication to service above self are all shining examples of how to be a great champion and servant leader.   You successfully lead and served always for the greater good!   I am honored and privileged to serve after you and so thankful for your example.

Thank you to my fellow elected officials for your spirit of service, your love of Woodridge, for wanting to help make the difference – you  are an inspiration to me and please let us join together in service of others.  Let us work together and diligently make the difference – always!  It is my honor to serve with you!    

Thank you to my and all of our family and friends…for standing next to us, always by our side… pushing us – when needed…holding our hands and believing in us –always!  You are our Champions!  We couldn’t do this without you. Your love and belief in each of us is a treasure in our lives.  We are thankful beyond words!

We are stewards.  We are grateful, humble, inspired, committed, proud, dedicated and ever thankful for your trust, support and love!  We now ask for your continued support, friendship and helping hands along our way! 

Thank you all again so much!  In the words of Walt Disney and Ralph Waldo Emerson:  “All our dreams can come true- if we have the courage to pursue them!”   So, together let’s build on the dream and aim high…“Hitch your wagon to a STAR!”  and, let’s take this amazing journey together!

God Bless!