[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 9 (Wednesday, January 24, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E73]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               ELEANOR VILLARREAL NAMED WOMAN OF THE YEAR

                                 ______


                            HON. ZOE LOFGREN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 24, 1996

  Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute Eleanor Villarreal, 
named ``Woman of the Year'' by the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce in 
Gilroy, CA. I know Eleanor and have had the pleasure of working with 
her over the years on matters important to the district I represent in 
this 104th Congress. Eleanor is being honored for her contributions to 
our community as a prolific volunteer and strong advocate for children.
  Eleanor Villarreal is well known in Gilroy, having served on numerous 
local boards and for spearheading community events benefiting Gilroy 
residents throughout the years. She was the first woman to become 
president of the Gilroy Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. She is president 
of the Salvation Army Council and a regular volunteer for the Special 
Olympics. In addition, Eleanor has lent her skills to volunteer efforts 
such as the Toys for Tots Campaign, the Gilroy Garlic Festival, the 
Exchange Club, Gilroy 2000, the Hispanic Cultural Festival and too many 
others to include in these remarks.
  So very significant among Eleanor's contributions is her continuing 
work with the Odd Fellow-Rebekah Children's Home where she successfully 
organized a multi-million dollar campaign to fund a 20,000 square foot 
expansion of facilities. The new facilities allow this dedicated agency 
to better meet the demands of the troubled youths it serves in a more 
home-like setting.
  Mr. Speaker, on February 2, 1996, the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce will 
honor Eleanor Villarreal at its 43d annual meeting and awards dinner. I 
would like to invite my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives 
to join with me in expressing gratitude and appreciation to Eleanor for 
her efforts.

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