[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 124 (Wednesday, September 17, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1773]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO NICOLE S. SUARD

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. FRANK RIGGS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 17, 1997

  Mr. RIGGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the activities of 
Nicole S. Suard, who has made a tremendous contribution to Napa County, 
CA, which I represent. Today, ``Nicky'' is being presented with 1 of 20 
Regional Role Model Awards in the 1997 Life Saves ``Take a Bigger 
Role'' awards program.
  Nicky Suard sees a need and comes up with a solution. Seeing a need 
for a home for unwed teenage mothers, she recruited a group of people 
and established Choix de Vie--Choice for Life--which recently 
celebrated the birth of its 100th baby.
  For years, there has been a shortage of activities for teenagers in 
Napa. In 1996, Nicky arranged for a building to be donated, recruited 
volunteers, and founded the Lytehouse, Napa Valley's teen center.
  Knowing that many nonprofits in Napa County did not have the 
expertise or ability to prepare grant requests, Nicky Suard brought 
together a group of leaders from the community to establish the 
Community Foundation of Napa Valley. The Community Foundation's goal is 
to be an aggregate of permanent fund raising for the benefit of the 
Napa Valley through wills, trusts, and estate planning. All moneys 
distributed to go local nonprofit organizations. Ms. Suard also donates 
her legal services as the incorporating attorney for many local 
nonprofits.
  As if all of this is not enough, Nicky Suard is as dedicated mother 
of two children, Tyler and Corey. She also volunteers as a parent-
teacher at their schools, teaching crafts. In all of this whirlwind of 
activity, she is supported and helped by her husband, Dr. Thomas Suard.
  I have personally seen the results of Nicky Suard's efforts and have 
been impressed time and again with her hard work and commitment to the 
well-being of all people in the Napa community. Her vision, innovation, 
and accomplishments should be held up as a model for others.

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