[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 71 (Tuesday, May 2, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E901]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


      THE VARIETY BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF QUEENS' 40TH ANNIVERSARY

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                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 2, 1995
  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
outstanding organization in my New York City district that has been 
committed to improving the lives of children for 40 years. The Variety 
Boys and Girls Club of Queens has worked with generations of young 
people in that special borough to realize their dreams and grow into 
upstanding members of the community.
  The Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens was established as the 
number of youth gangs around the country had risen dramatically during 
the late 1940's and early 1950's. In response to the growing number of 
gangs, Meyer ``Moe'' Baranco and attorney Charles J. Vallone, both of 
Queens, decided to establish a place for local youth to spend their 
time off the streets in a wholesome atmosphere.
  In 1949, the club got its start when a fundraising testimonial was 
held to assist Charles Vallone's family take a trip to Italy. Instead 
of paying for the family trip, the $1,500 raised at the testimonial 
became the first major contribution toward the founding of the Boys 
Club. In the years since, the club has been extremely fortunate in 
attracting leading members of the community from every profession, all 
of whom have made valuable contributions to the club's growth and 
success.
  When it first opened in 1955, the club acted as a home away from home 
to hundreds of boys. These boys would come from all over the Queens 
community to watch movies, play games, and participate in sporting 
events. Recognizing the need to serve all future citizens, in 1981 the 
board of directors decided to offer services to young women in the 
community. Redoubling its commitment to the area's girls, in 1985, the 
club resolved to expand all of its services to girls. Money was raised 
for an auxiliary gymnasium, and for additional recreational and support 
services to girls between 6 to 17 years of age. Soon, the Boys Club 
became the Boys and Girls Club of Queens.
  Mr. Speaker, the basic problems that existed among this Nation's 
young people in the 1940's are still the same ones that we grapple with 
today: Too many youth who have too few role models. The Variety Boys 
and Girls Club of Queens provides an outstanding example of what can be 
done to address these problems if we put our minds to it. They say it 
takes a village to raise a child, and the Boys and Girls Club of Queens 
shows just how successful a village can be in shaping the lives of 
young people. Therefore, I would ask that my colleagues join me in 
marking the club's 40th anniversary, and help wish them another 
successful 40 years of exemplary service.


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