Honoring Viola "Candy" Owens for being a pillar in the community, and for her exemplary work throughout the City of Philadelphia, and outstanding leadership among women.

WHEREAS, Viola “Candy” Owens was born and raised in Philadelphia. A long-time constituent of Philadelphia she attended Pierce Jr, College and Philadelphia College of Textile; and

WHEREAS, After a traumatic family event in the year 2005 where she lost her son to

Cardiomyopathy

, she began her organization the Daniel E Rumph II Foundation. The foundation’s mission is to bring awareness

to

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and sudden cardiac arrest

, and to provide heart screenings for the children

; and

WHEREAS,

The foundation has

raised money to install 15 defibrillators to various recreation centers throughout Philadelphia and Montgomery County. In 2023 their organization was approved to purchase defibrillators for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, Viola “Candy” Owens has opened her heart and her home to several foster children. She has taken in a plethora of troubled youth and worked hard to give them the opportunities they deserved. Ms. Owens has also served as a caregiver for over 40 years for various people as well as her own family. Viola “Candy” Owens has created an atmosphere of love and caring that can be felt be whomever she encounters throughout Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, Through her steadfast faith, Ms. Owens demonstrated resilience, tenacity, perseverance in her overcoming breast cancer. This would enable her to continue her charity work even while undergoing Chemotherapy. Her determination to beat cancer has transformed her life into an excellent example of what can be accomplished with faith and determination; and

WHEREAS, Viola “Candy” Owens has long standing history of hosting community events throughout Philadelphia. She has orchestrated numerous community cookouts, Easter egg hunts, book bag giveaways, holiday parties, and basketball tournaments. For Thanksgiving Ms. Owens will charter a friend’s restaurant in order to feed those who cannot afford Thanksgiving; and

WHEREAS, Viola “Candy” Owens has worked tirelessly to improve, protect and care for the lives of the beloved citizens of the community. Her efforts should be honored, praised and exalted; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA That we recognize and honor Viola “Candy” Owens for Women’s History Month.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of the resolution be presented to Viola “Candy” Owens as evidence of the gratitude of this legislative body.

End