[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 39 (Thursday, March 22, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S2728]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          VALLEY HAVEN SCHOOL

 Mr. SHELBY. Mr. President, I rise today to pay special tribute 
to the Valley Haven School, an important part of the Valley, AL 
community. Valley Haven is a school for infants, toddlers and adults 
who are mentally retarded or multi-handicapped. On May 5th, the school 
will hold it's 25th Annual Hike/Bike/Run for Valley Haven, a fund 
raiser which generates the crucial local funding which is vital to the 
school's survival.
  Valley Haven School was started 41 years ago and has grown into a 
large, professionally staffed operation. With over 116 clients in ages 
ranging from 3 months to 70 years, you can see, that Valley Haven must 
meet significant financial standards each year to maintain viability. 
The school does this outside of local tax structures, so operating 
expenses and matching funds for grants must be raised primarily through 
the community at large. The Hike/Bike/Run for Valley Haven is the key 
fund raiser of the year which helps to bring the community together for 
this important cause. Among the events included in the occasion are a 
5k, 8K, 10 or 22 mile run, 10 or 5 mile walk, 22, 11, or 5 mile bike, 
trike, and stroller event, and even a horse trail ride.
  I take this opportunity to wish all those helping to organize the 
event and those planning to participate my best wishes in their efforts 
to support the school. Whether contributing time, physical effort, or 
financial resources, working to ensure educational opportunities for 
others is truly a worthy cause.

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