[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 5 (Monday, January 31, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E32]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          A MODEL OF COMMUNITY SERVICE FROM SOUTHWEST MISSOURI

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ROY BLUNT

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 31, 2000

  Mr. BLUNT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend a resident of the 
Seventh Congressional District of Missouri who can teach all of us 
something about commitment. Jerry L. Sumners Sr. has touched his 
community in Aurora, Missouri. His philanthropy and vision have given 
new and expanded opportunities to his community to grow and develop 
services and facilities that have benefited kids, the environment and 
the city's business climate.
  Jerry Sumner's full time job is running Service Vending Company, a 
multi-state enterprise with 50 employees. The firm specializes in the 
sale of gumballs, treats and toys from coin-operated dispensers found 
in most supermarkets and convenience stores. The company that earns 
two-bits a sale, has given Jerry the ability to be a civic dynamo--a 
role he takes very seriously. He may be Aurora, Missouri's greatest 
cheerleader. Jerry Sumners has unselfishly given his time, energy and 
support to his community.
  Jerry's approach to business and life is simple and direct. ``Be 
organized, do things the same way all the time; get the facts; don't 
tell me the problem, give me the solution.''
  Jerry, an avid pilot, understood the need for expanding the city's 
airport. In 1999 he donated $100,000 to the Aurora Airport to extend 
the present runway. That same year he provided a major gift to build a 
concession stand at Aurora's Baldwin Park with an additional gift to 
add dressing rooms for the baseball players to be completed by 2002.
  Between 1990 and 1998, it was Jerry Sumners who contributed at least 
$180,000 to expand the Little League program from one baseball field to 
four. Jerry Sumners annually sponsors various baseball, basketball, 
softball and soccer squads. Jerry has given significant donations to 
the Aurora Main Street program to modernize the look of the business 
community and was a major supporter of the city's Christmas lights 
project. Jerry Sumners has sponsored the annual Applefest pageant in 
Marionville the last two years and is a leading sponsor in the annual 
4th of July fireworks in Aurora.
  When a local youth sports team wants to compete on the road, Jerry 
makes sure they have the resources to go. He also contributed to the 
new band building at Southwest Missouri State University and to 
improvements at the Wilson's Creek National Battlefield near 
Springfield.
  Jerry's company has prospered in the small town setting. His family 
of four sons and two daughters have gone to school and grown up in 
Aurora. Jerry and wife, Theresa, are both active in the community and 
live on a 300 acre farm where they raise cattle.
  In short, if it has something to do with improving the community of 
Aurora or adding to the quality of life, chances are that Jerry Sumners 
has taken an active role in it. He has earned the title of ``community 
leader.''
  Saturday, January 29, the Aurora Chamber of Commerce gave Jerry L. 
Sumners Sr. their highest honor--``The Community Service Award''--in 
recognition of his contributions to improve the community. Jerry, who 
turned 65 on January 27, has no plans to either slow down or end his 
commitment to the betterment of his community.
  I know my colleagues in the House join with me in honoring him for 
his dedication and his commitment to his community, neighbors and his 
friends.




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