[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 34 (Wednesday, March 23, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 23, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                      TRIBUTE TO THE PITT-LOS CLUB

                                 ______


                          HON. JULIAN C. DIXON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 23, 1994

  Mr. DIXON. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to pay tribute to the Pitt-Los 
Club of Los Angeles. On Sunday, March 27, 1994, members of this 
benevolent and social organization will gather to celebrate their 51st 
anniversary at the Pitt-Los Annual Palm Sunday Brunch. Conceived 
initially as a vehicle to bring together former residents of 
Pittsburgh, PA, who had relocated to Los Angeles, the Pitt-Los Club has 
expanded its outreach to include active participation in the community 
through educational scholarships for college-bound students and 
financial support to numerous organizations.
  When founded in September 1942 by Mrs. Laura Clay Roulk, the Pitt-Los 
Club's membership included both men and women. Today, however, the 
organization is exclusively a women's club. The clubs roster includes 
two of the organization's original members.
  Inspired by the leadership of club member Mrs. Lucia Rickmond who 
believed that the club should invest in the surrounding community 
through its financial support of charitable organizations, on March 10, 
1951, the Pitt-Los Club was granted a charter as a nonprofit, social, 
and charitable club by the State of California.
  In the ensuing years, the Pitt-Los Club has provided financial 
support to a number of organizations, including the Spastic Children's 
Foundation; East 28th Street YMCA--for its refurbishing program; United 
Negro College Fund; Outdoor Life and Health Association; and the 
Stovall Foundation. In memory of Ms. Wilma F. Bailey, one of the 
organization's honorary members who passed away on August 30, 1985, the 
Pitt-Los Club provided financial support to the Los Angeles Cancer 
Society. A similar bequeath was made to the Los Angeles High School 
Memorial Fund, established in honor of Robert Ballou, the grandson of 
Pitt-Los member Dorothy Walker Lee. In addition, the Pitt-Los Club 
holds a life membership in the Los Angeles Chapter of the NAACP.
  In 1986, Pitt-Los members initiated a scholarship program at my alma 
mater, Dorsey Senior High School, providing over $3,000 in scholarships 
to deserving college bound graduates. Club members keep track of, and 
serve as mentors to, the scholarship recipients throughout his or her 
undergraduate education, continuously offering encouragement and 
support to the meritorious students.
  Two years ago, Pitt-Los members expanded their educational outreach 
to include California State University, Black Support Group, Los 
Angeles. Their efforts have resulted in the establishment of the Pitt-
Los Scholarship at the University, which thus far has awarded three 
scholarships to deserving students. The Pitt-Los Club is also a member 
of the University's Golden Circle.
  As further evidence of its commitment to the United Negro College 
Fund [UNCF], which supports our Nation's historically black colleges 
and universities [HBCU's], this year, members of the Pitt-Los Club have 
donated $1,500 to the UNCF telethon.
  In the future, the Pitt-Los Club will concentrate its efforts on 
increasing club membership, and expanding the organization's 
scholarship base to assist a wider berth of deserving Los Angeles high 
school seniors seeking a college education.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize the outstanding service of the 
Pitt-Los Club to the Los Angeles community, particularly the 
contribution its members have made to the educational enrichment of our 
youth. I ask my colleagues to join me in extending to the many 
distinguished and dedicated women of the Pitt-Los Club, continued 
success as they embark on their next 50 years dedicated to assisting 
deserving students and charitable organizations in Los Angeles.

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