[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 21 (Wednesday, February 25, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E219-E220]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING THE HONORABLE ANN BEDSOLE ON RECEIPT OF THE ASSOCIATION 
  OF FUNDRAISING PROFESSIONALS 2004 OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER FUNDRAISER 
                                 AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 25, 2004

  Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I 
rise to honor the Honorable Ann Bedsole on the occasion of her being 
honored by the Association of Fundraising Professionals with the 
organization's 2004 Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award.
  Senator Ann Bedsole has been a distinguished member of the Mobile, 
Alabama, community and a tremendous advocate for all of south Alabama 
for over three decades. In 1978, she was elected to the Alabama House 
of Representatives and served in that capacity for one term. Four years 
later, in 1982, she became the first woman ever elected to the Alabama 
State Senate, and was a candidate for governor in 1994.
  During her career in the Alabama State Legislature, Senator Bedsole 
was instrumental in the creation of the Alabama School of Math and 
Science in Mobile, Alabama. Working closely with fellow legislators and 
members of various agencies in state government, she was able to secure 
support for the institution and has provided a great deal of support 
since it opened in 1991. In the two decades since its inception, 
Senator Bedsole has served as both vice president and president of the 
ASMS Foundation Board of Directors.

[[Page E220]]

  Throughout her long fundraising and volunteer career, her crowning 
achievement was undoubtedly the City of Mobile's Tricentennial 
Celebration in 2002. This event, celebrating the 300 year history of 
Mobile, drew thousands of visitors to this historic center and brought 
tourists, dignitaries, and media representatives from all across the 
United States and around the world. The celebration's schedule of 
concerts, exhibitions, festivals, and sporting events were a tremendous 
success and required a great deal of financial support. Under her 
leadership and guidance as chairman of the festival, Senator Bedsole 
was able to solicit more than $5 million in private, local, state, and 
committee funds and in-kind services. Her efforts in organizing and 
leading this event led to a truly memorable celebration of the history 
and tradition of Mobile.
  Along with her strong involvement in the community, Senator Bedsole 
is involved in many charitable organizations including serving on the 
boards of the Cybil Smith Charitable Trust and the J.L. Bedsole 
Foundation.
  Senator Bedsole's efforts in the fields of volunteerism and 
fundraising have also led to significant recognition in previous years, 
and she has been honored as First Lady of Mobile in 1972 and Mobilian 
of the Year in 1993.
  Mr. Speaker, there are few individuals more dedicated or more 
committed to helping their communities than Ann Bedsole, and I would 
like to offer my congratulations on both the Outstanding Volunteer 
Fundraiser award and for her many personal and professional 
achievements. I know her husband, Palmer Bedsole, and her many family 
and friends join with me in praising her accomplishments and extending 
thanks for her many efforts on behalf of Mobile and the state of 
Alabama.

                          ____________________