IL HR0699

Illinois House of Representatives congratulates the DeGeratto family and Buddy Bear Car Wash on Chicago's designation of "Buddy Bear Way" as an honorary street name at 5400 West Chicago Avenue at Lotus Avenue

Honors the legacy of Phillip "Papa Bear" DeGeratto and Phillip "Buddy Bear" DeGeratto, who founded Big Bear Foods, Buddy Bear Finer Foods, and Buddy Bear Car Wash on Chicago's West Side

Recognizes the DeGeratto family's nearly 100 years of residence and nearly 70 years of community engagement on Chicago's West Side as business owners and community leaders

Family contributions include job creation, local hiring initiatives, food security advocacy, youth employment programs, and reentry employment opportunities for returning citizens

Honorary designation nominated by Alderwoman Emma Mitts, who worked with the DeGeratto family for more than 20 years