[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 11 (Tuesday, February 3, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E90]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING SY AND ESTELLE OPPER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT T. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 3, 2004

  Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor a couple with a truly 
outstanding history of community service and philanthropy. From their 
modest upbringing to the present day, Sy and Estelle Opper have always 
been generous with their time and resources and giving with their 
heart. Sy and Estelle have come to embody the best qualities of 
community service and citizenship. As their friends, family and many 
admirers gather for the Shalom School Lighting the Way Gala in honor of 
their wonderful contributions to the Jewish community, I ask all my 
colleagues to join me in saluting one of Sacramento's most respected 
couples, Sy and Estelle Opper.
  Sy and Estelle Opper are lifelong Sacramento residents who were 
raised with great family support and strong family values. Sy and 
Estelle were both encouraged by their loved ones to lend a helping hand 
to those who are in need. In the years after, Sy and Estelle have 
worked hard to transform this valuable lesson from childhood into a 
lifelong commitment to improve the lives of those who are less 
fortunate. Perhaps, more importantly, Sy and Estelle have passed the 
important values that they learned from their respective families to 
their four children and seven grandchildren. The people of the Capital 
Region should take great comfort in knowing that the Oppers' trademark 
spirit of philanthropy and sense of humanity will continue to bless us 
for generations to come.
  In 1946, Sy Opper opened five plumbing stores, Harold's Plumbing 
Supply. The last of this successful chain of plumbing stores would 
remain open until 2000. In spite of the considerable time commitment 
that is required to run a successful business, the Oppers never allowed 
their busy schedules to interfere with their resolute dedication to 
community service.
  Throughout the years, Estelle Opper has been active in a number of 
Jewish organizations including: Hadassah, TDX, Sisterhood, Jewish 
Family Service and the Grandparents Club at Shalom School. In addition, 
Estelle has also lent her name and efforts to help fundraise for Cancer 
research, the Breast Cancer fund of San Francisco and the River Oaks 
Center for Children, a multi-service behavioral healthcare agency for 
abused children and their families.
  As for Sy Opper, he has served as president of the board for many 
Jewish organizations such as the Jewish Federation and B'nei Israel 
Congregation. Much like Estelle, Sy has also been active in a number of 
fundraising efforts. Sy played an instrumental role in the construction 
of the Washington Neighborhood Center of Sacramento, a place that 
provides after school programs such as free tutoring, computer 
workshops, dance classes and fine arts programs for at risk children 
and teens. Currently, Sy serves as on the board of The Trust Fund for 
Jewish Elderly and on the Jewish Family Service Board.
  Together, Sy and Estelle Opper have supported a number of important 
causes. Locally, Sy and Estelle have long been strong supporters of the 
regional theaters. Sy and Estelle were major donors and participants in 
the purchase of the property and building for the Jewish Foundation, 
where the area's only Jewish Day School, Shalom School, is located. On 
a national level, in addition to being long time members of AIPAC, the 
Oppers have been closely involved with the fundraising efforts for City 
of Hope National Medical Center, a place that provides essential help 
to millions of people facing life-threatening diseases. The goodwill of 
the Oppers extends well beyond the boundaries of the United States. 
Over the years, Sy and Estelle Opper have participated in a number of 
missions to Israel.
  Mr. Speaker, as Sy and Estelle Opper's friends and family gather to 
celebrate and pay tribute to their wonderful legacy of community 
service I am honored to pay tribute to two of Sacramento's most 
honorable citizens. The Oppers continuous philanthropy is a true 
testament to the spirit of giving and helping those who are in need. I 
ask all of my colleagues to join with me in wishing Sy and Estelle 
Opper continued happiness and success in all their future endeavors.

                          ____________________