[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 78 (Thursday, May 11, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E996-E997]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


     CELEBRATING FIFTY YEARS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE BY THE AVON CLUB

                                 ______


                         HON. WILLIAM J. COYNE

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 10, 1995
  Mr. COYNE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have this opportunity to join 
with my constituents in saluting the members of the Avon Club who are 
celebrating over 50 years of community service.
  The Avon Club was formed in 1944 as a social and community 
organization with membership open to women age 18 or over who live and 
work in the municipalities comprising the Avonworth School District. 
This area includes Ben Avon, Ben Avon Heights, Emsworth, Kilbuck and 
Ohio Township. It is an honor to represent these communities in the 
U.S. House as the Representative for the Fourteenth Congressional 
District and I want to speak to the Members of the House about the 
outstanding nature of the community service provided by the Avon Club.
  The Avon Club was originally started in 1944 by women whose husbands 
were serving in World War II. Avon Club members aided the war effort by 
rolling bandages, knitting sweaters and corresponding with servicemen. 
When the war ended, Avon Club members refocused their activities on a 
broader array of [[Page E997]] social interests and community projects. 
the Avon Club also established itself as a service organization willing 
to raise money to support civic improvements and other charitable 
community organizations.
  Each year the Avon Club hosts two major fundraisers to support its 
many community service activities. An annual fall festival is sponsored 
in early October and this event features a celebration of the creative, 
musical, and culinary talents of local district residents. The annual 
fashion show and luncheon provides an opportunity to enjoy food and 
good conversation while viewing the latest from the fashion world. In 
addition to these fundraisers, the Avon Club has published a community 
telephone directory since 1952. Members canvass their local 
neighborhoods and all residents, local businesses, and merchants are 
invited to be listed in this valuable community resource.
  Avon Club member dedicated the proceeds from these fundraising 
activities to the support of several charitable activities. Since 1990, 
these charitable activities have been managed by the Avon Club 
Foundation, a nonprofit organization which manages both fundraising 
activities and the distribution of funds. In 1994, the Avon Club 
Foundation gave away $7,671 and brought the total level of 
philanthropic contributions throughout their 50 years to over $100,000.
  The Avon Club Foundation is guided by long-range goals emphasizing 
service to education, recreation, the environment and social 
responsibility. The foundation has donated funds to local parks, 
schools, sports organizations and also provides assistance to 
charitable organizations serving women and children. Members of the 
Avon Club have also volunteered with local recycling efforts and 
community cleanup days.
  Mr. Speaker, it is fitting for the Members of the U.S. House of 
Representatives to join in saluting an organization like the Avon Club. 
The Members of the Avon Club are to be commended for their energy and 
neighborhoods together to the benefit of all local residents.


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