[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 27 (Tuesday, March 12, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E321]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  PAYING TRIBUTE TO NOEL CUNNINGHAM --

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 12, 2002

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to pay tribute to a 
man whose life-long pursuit of improving and enriching the lives of 
others is an inspiration to us all. Noel Cunningham has dedicated his 
life to improving the lives of his fellow man. In recognition of this, 
the Ancient Order of the Hibernians is honoring Noel as Humanitarian of 
the Year. Although Noel bases his philanthropy in Denver his kindness 
and generosity have extended far beyond Denver to touch the lives of 
people around the state, the nation and indeed the world.
  It would take hours to describe all that Noel has done for the Denver 
Community, however, certain projects of his stand out. Noel was one of 
the founders of Taste of the Nation, an incredibly successful program 
that raises money to help address hunger and poverty. Last year the 
event was held in 500 cities across the nation and raised $300,000 in 
Denver alone. The millions of dollars that were raised will be 
distributed to states and countries dealing with the issue of hunger. 
For ten years, Noel has also run an event called ``I Remember Mama'' in 
which every Mother's Day he opens the doors of his restaurant to women 
from the poorest districts of Denver who participate in the Meals on 
Wheels programs. All of these women, who are without family in the 
Denver area, are treated to an incredible brunch, roses, gifts and 
music. Every Christmas, for the past decade, Noel has also hosted 300 
foster children for a holiday party complete with food, gifts and a 
Santa who arrives in a helicopter.
  Not only do Noel's efforts benefit individuals, they also have a 
tremendous impact on the community at large. Last year, Noel helped to 
raise a half-million dollars to build a brand new playground for the 
children of Garden Place Academy in Globeville, one of Denver's poorest 
districts. The playground was built with help from the surrounding 
community and by the students themselves. As a result, less than one 
year later, the discipline problem at the school has been nearly cut in 
half. Noel hopes to share his passion for helping others with the next 
generation through his Quarters for Kids program, where school children 
save a quarter so that someone else can have a meal. Thousands of 
children participate every year learning the joy of giving to others.
  Mr. Speaker, I can think of no one more deserving of this award than 
Noel Cunningham. He is a man of unparalleled dedication and commitment 
to both his professional and philanthropic endeavors. It is his 
unrelenting passion for each and every thing he does, as well as his 
spirit of honesty and integrity with which he has always conducted 
himself that I wish to bring before this body of Congress. Noel 
Cunningham is a remarkable man, who has achieved extraordinary things 
in his career and in his community. It is my distinct pleasure to pay 
tribute to Noel Cunningham today, and wish him all the best in his 
future endeavors.

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