[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 13 (Monday, February 14, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E126]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO JUDY PERRY

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                          HON. KAREN McCARTHY

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 14, 2000

  Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
fellow Kansas Citian Judy Perry. Judy has served as the Executive 
Director of Harvesters Community Food Network in Kansas City, MO for 
the past 15 years. Harvesters has worked tirelessly to provide meals to 
less fortunate Kansas Citians and their families. Under Judy's 
direction Harvesters has tripled in size to serve twenty-six counties 
in Missouri and Kansas with more than 15 million pounds of food.
  Judy's experience prior to her involvement with Harvesters was a 
Regional Administrator for the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation, 
which is a Congressionally chartered neighborhood revitalization 
program headquartered in Washington, DC. Her service has also brought 
her to Santiago, Chile with the Peace Corps where she taught English in 
a rural school. Judy's experiences in Chile sent her home with the 
whole new perspective on poverty and what Americans take for granted.
  It is on the local level that we have truly seen Judy's dedication in 
her efforts to strengthen the bonds of our community. In addition to 
her work with Harvesters, Judy has served as chair of Mayor Richard 
Berkeley's Task Force on Food and Hunger. She has served as the co-
chair of the Heart of America Hunger Network. She is currently the 
first vice-president of the Board of Directors of the Greater Kansas 
City Association of United Way Agencies. Judy also serves on the Board 
of Directors of Foodchain--The National Network of Prepared and 
Perishable Food Rescue Programs. I was honored to nominate Judy and 
Harvesters to receive the Congressional Award of the ``Victory Against 
Hunger'' campaign, which they were awarded in 1995.
  Judy Perry is an inspiration to us all. Her dedication and commitment 
to public service serves as an example to all of us who work to make 
the world a better place. This month Judy will celebrate her 55th 
birthday with her retirement from harvesters. Judy plans to stay 
involved with the community and with hunger issues through volunteer 
and consulting work, and she hopes that someday she will return to the 
Peace Corps. Judy's immediate plan is to spend time with her four 
grandchildren. May she find relaxation and contentment in the 
adventures that await her. Mr. Speaker, please join me in thanking Judy 
for her service to our community and the Nation.




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