[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 61 (Tuesday, May 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E795]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO MARY KONRAD

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                         HON. MICHAEL BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 14, 2002

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mrs. Mary 
Konrad for her philanthropic deeds to this country and to her 
community.
  Mary was one of the first women in her era to leave home to attend 
college. While enrolled at University of Illinois, she worked for a 
local doctor to pay her way through school. When World War II started, 
Mary decided she would help the war effort by working in a defense 
plant making bombs. Her work entailed lifting shells several hours a 
day. She finished college and graduated with a degree in sociology.
  Following graduation, Mary moved out west and settled in California, 
becoming a social worker for the Red Cross. Her successful job ethics 
and determination earned her the ``Red Cross Social Worker of the 
Year'' award. After moving back to Chicago, she continued devoting her 
time to the Red Cross on weekends.
  After raising two fine children, she and her husband moved to my 
district in Clearwater, Florida where she became active in a number of 
philanthropic ventures. She helped fund and start the program 
``Children in the `D'Zone'' for diabetic children at Morton Plant 
Hospital. She knew first-hand the trials and tribulations of raising a 
diabetic child and wanted to help others. In addition to this venture, 
she has supported many other programs at Morton Plant Hospital.
  At Christmas, Mary helps fund the City of Clearwater's ``Christmas 
Cheer Program'' by providing all of the bicycles, helmets and locks for 
the needy children in the inner-city core. Supporting the arts and 
introducing children to the joys of the theater is another way she 
shows her love for those most vulnerable. Each year, Mary provides 
several scholarships to gifted students. Her support gives needy 
students an opportunity to attend performances during the year and 
summer programs at the Performing Arts Center at Ruth Eckerd Hall. 
Finally, Mary's newest love is the Clearwater AHEPA Home for which she 
and her husband are dedicating a Hellenic Cultural Library.
  It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor her today for her 
long and distinguished record in community service and for her tireless 
efforts to improve the lives of so many children.

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