[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 140 (Tuesday, October 7, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1989]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1989]]
                          HONORING RITA C. KAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CAROLYN McCARTHY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 7, 2003

  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 
numerous contributions made by Rita Kay for the children of Long 
Island. A selfless and dedicated woman, Rita has spent more than 30 
years working on a variety of children's causes, and is well known for 
her intense involvement in Children's Medical Fund of New York (CMF).
  Rita was compelled to ease the plight of sick children because of a 
combination of personal tragedy and great joy. After suffering several 
miscarriages and the pain of a stillborn child, Rita and her husband 
Barry were blessed with the births of their two sons, Brian and 
Bradley. In a fervent desire to help sick children and their parents, 
Rita joined CMF, the fundraising component of Schneider Children's 
Hospital of the North Shore--Long Island Jewish Health System. Through 
her many efforts, Rita has helped build the children's hospital into 
the 13th largest pediatric care center.
  Rita's love for, and devotion to, children has been evidenced by the 
numerous events she has chaired and in which she has participated. Rita 
is best known for the longstanding relationship she has nurtured 
between Americana Manhasset shopping center and CMF, and the successful 
fashion luncheon sponsored by the Americana on behalf of CMF. The 
luncheon has helped CMF raise hundreds of thousands of dollars since 
its inception.
  Rita's fundraising efforts have included an emphasis on corporate 
sponsorship. Under her leadership, Roslyn Savings Bank and Astoria 
Federal have become involved in CMF. Most recently, Rita co-chaired 
CMF's Wall Street Dinner Dance at Chelsea Piers, which raised an 
astronomical $4,000,000 for CMF and Schneider Children's Hospital.
  Rita's hard work is more incredible because of the number of other 
organizations in which she is involved. Rita supports and fundraises 
for Partner's in Women's Health, the Long Island Cancer Campaign, the 
Ronald McDonald House, the Mental Health Association of Nassau County, 
and the Nassau County Museum of Art. All of this, in addition to her 
full-time job as the Marketing Director for David Morse & Associates.
  Despite all of Rita's volunteer efforts, her priority remains her 
family. Today, Rita is surrounded not only by her husband Barry and 
their sons Brian and Bradley, but also her daughters-in-law Helaine and 
Caren, and her four grandchildren, Jesse, Logan, Dylan and Zoe. They 
are incredibly proud of Rita for all of her hard work and 
accomplishments over the years.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank Rita Kay for her dedication and devotion to the 
children of Long Island.

                          ____________________