[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 113 (Thursday, September 21, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1552]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING ELEANOR AND FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA AND HANDS ACROSS THE VALLEY

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                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 21, 2000

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize two 
extraordinary residents of my congressional district whose tireless 
humanitarian efforts will ensure that hundreds of individuals and 
families in our Napa Valley will not go to bed hungry tonight.
  On Saturday, September 23rd, Eleanor and Francis Ford Coppola will 
once again host the 7th Annual Hands Across the Valley benefit to raise 
funds for local food programs. The Coppolas have made countless 
contributions toward improving our community but none are as 
significant and far-reaching as their efforts regarding this monumental 
event.
  The Coppolas' hospitality in opening up their beautiful Niebum-
Coppola Estate Winery is the driving force that has made this event the 
success that it is. In 1995, Eleanor and Francis hosted the event at 
their home in Rutherford. Joined by 650 guests, the benefit gained 
statewide and national acclaim. Due to the event's tremendous 
popularity, the Coppolas agreed to host the benefit in 1996 at their 
then newly-acquired Niebaum-Coppola Estate Winery where 1,000 guests 
enjoyed Napa Valley's finest wines and foods.
  Thanks in large part to the Coppolas' incredible hospitality, this 
year's event is expecting nearly 2,000 guests. Mr. Speaker, it is 
little wonder why Hands Across the Valley has now become a tradition of 
our Northern California community.
  And, Mr. Speaker, it is no surprise that the Coppolas have put their 
heart and soul into this worthwhile cause. Despite the media perception 
of Napa as a community for the wealthy, more than 7% of the county's 
population is below the poverty level and more than 21% is near the 
poverty level. A recent survey by University of California and the 
Redwood Empire Food Bank found that 43% of individuals seeking food 
assistance each month at Napa food pantries and soup kitchens are 
children. The average household seeking assistance has four people. 
More than 30% do not have a stove or oven and 28% do not have a 
refrigerator.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe it is fitting and appropriate to honor the 
service these two distinguished individuals have given to our 
community. Thanks to the Coppolas and many of their friends, Hands 
Across the Valley has raised over $600,000 to feed Napa's hungry 
families. I commend all of those involved in this annual benefit and 
wish them great success on Saturday. We are all better off because of 
their efforts.

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