[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 71 (Monday, May 20, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S5376]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            MORNING BUSINESS

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  TRIBUTE TO SOUTH DAKOTA'S ANNUAL LAW ENFORCEMENT APPRECIATION DINNER

  Mr. PRESSLER. Mr. President, today I would like to pay tribute to a 
great tradition in the law enforcement community in my home State of 
South Dakota. On November 15, 1995, for the 14th year in a row, South 
Dakota held its Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner and Charity 
Fundraiser. Under the leadership of a great South Dakotan, Gene 
Abdallah, the law enforcement appreciation dinner has grown from a 
small, informal gathering to one of the largest annual events in South 
Dakota.
  The Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner and Charity Fundraiser began 
in 1982. It has raised more than a quarter of a million dollars for 
South Dakota charities. The purpose of this annual event is to 
recognize law enforcement agencies and officers for their dedication 
and service to the public. It also gives South Dakota law enforcement 
the unique opportunity to gather together.
  Widely known in South Dakota as ``Gene's Annual Game Feed,'' this 
event originally was the idea of former United States Marshal Gene 
Abdallah, who served South Dakota pheasant and other wild game to show 
his appreciation to his fellow law enforcement officers. At that first 
gathering, there were 53 people in attendance. Through the years, this 
event has grown to a remarkable size today. In 1994, more than 600 
business and civic leaders attended as special guests, along with more 
than 800 law enforcement personnel. This event has become one of the 
largest gatherings of Federal, State, and local law enforcement 
personnel in the Nation.
  The appreciation dinner also is dedicated to raising funds for needy 
organizations. In 1994, contributions from the event went to the Ronald 
McDonald House of Sioux Falls, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the 
Children's Miracle Network, the South Dakota Special Olympics Torch 
Run, and $10,000 for food baskets for the less fortunate. Funds in 1995 
were designated to the young victims of the Oklahoma City bombing, Food 
for the Less Fortunate of South Dakota, the Muscular Dystrophy Summer 
Camp, and the Spurs Therapeutic Academy.
  This event would not be possible without the generous support of many 
South Dakotans who contribute through the purchase of VIP tables and 
sponsorship donations.
  Mr. President, with great pride I salute all my friends in South 
Dakota who work so hard to make this tremendous event possible. I look 
forward to helping make this year's Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner 
and Charity Fundraiser the most successful one ever.

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