[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 121 (Friday, September 5, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1724-E1725]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING DONNA AND GIOVANNI SCALA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 5, 2003

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize two 
extraordinary humanitarians from my congressional district whose 
philanthropic efforts will ensure that hundreds of individuals and 
families in our Napa Valley will not go to bed hungry tonight.
  On September 6th, our community will be celebrating the 10th Annual 
Hands Across the

[[Page E1725]]

Valley benefit to raise critical funds for local safety net food 
programs. This extremely successful event which has meant the 
difference between food and hunger for many Napa County residents would 
not exist if it were not for the vision and hard work of Donna and 
Giovanni Scala. What began in their kitchen at their world-renowned 
restaurant Bistro Don Giovanni ten years ago has blossomed into a 
national role model that has raised over $1.3 million for our 
community's most vulnerable members.
  Donna and Giovanni have made countless contributions toward improving 
the community they are so much a part of and love. It seems that every 
time there is a need, they are there with a donation. None, however, 
have been as significant and far-reaching than their efforts regarding 
this annual event.
  Mr. Speaker, I was honored to take part in the first Hands Across the 
Valley event in 1994 when we tossed pizzas in the Scala's kitchen for 
500 guests and raised $30,000. Thanks in large part to Donna and 
Giovanni's continued support, this year's event is expected to be 
bigger and more successful than ever before, with nearly 2,000 guests 
and volunteers working together to raise more than $200,000 to ensure 
none of our neighbors are without food.
  Donna and Giovanni Scala put their heart and soul into this event 
because they understand its importance. They know that not everyone has 
shared in our nation's prosperity. They understand that nearly half of 
those seeking assistance from Napa's food pantries and soup kitchens 
are children and that nearly one out of every three families seeking 
help does not have an oven or a refrigerator.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe it is fitting and appropriate to honor the 
commitment and integrity that Donna and Giovanni Scala have given our 
community for so many years. We are all better off because of their 
efforts.

                          ____________________