[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 119 (Tuesday, September 28, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S9809]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    BALLOON FIESTA--CHARACTER COUNTS

 Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I would like to discuss the good 
that occurs when a community joins together. This relates to a 
wonderful program I have been proud to promote in New Mexico for the 
past 10 years--Character Counts--and the support it gets from the 
business community.
  We have had troubling and disappointing news over the past few years 
about corporate scandals and questionable ethics in the corporate 
world. So it is with great pleasure to be able to discuss a story about 
responsible and caring business behavior.
  For the fourth straight year, Northrop Grumman has teamed with other 
local organizations to help at-risk youth experience the Albuquerque 
International Balloon Fiesta.
  On October 7 through 8, eight elementary-age students in the 
Character Counts education program run through the Albuquerque YMCA and 
the Boys and Girls Clubs of Albuquerque and Rio Rancho will be treated 
to a field trip to the Balloon Fiesta courtesy of the Northrop Grumman 
and its partners--Meals on Wheels and the Albuquerque International 
Balloon Fiesta organization. The children and their chaperones will be 
treated to tethered balloon rides and generally feted throughout the 
day as special guests.
  Now, this is more than just a simple do-good action by a major 
corporation. For these children it is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure 
linked to the Character Counts education program that builds into their 
lives the benefits of Respect, Responsibility, Trustworthiness, 
Citizenship, Fairness, and Caring. These are the six pillars of good 
character.
  The Balloon Fiesta outing is a joint effort by these companies and 
organizations with the Albuquerque Character Counts Cooperative. We 
know these trips impact these children's lives. It is not only a reward 
for excelling at Character Counts, but also an entertaining way for 
them to broaden their horizons, meet community leaders and have a 
ballooning experience they might not have otherwise ever experienced.
  Character Counts is an incredibly successful character education 
initiative. We are celebrating its 10-year history in New Mexico and 
these annual balloon fiesta field trips for outstanding students are a 
key component to helping youth become inspired by adults who are role 
models of the Character Counts pillars.
  So I express my appreciation to the team of businesses and groups who 
have helped make the overall Character Counts program a success in New 
Mexico. In particular, I am pleased with Northrup Grumman, the YMCA, 
the Boys and Girls Clubs, Meals on Wheels and Albuquerque International 
Balloon Fiesta for broadening the horizons for children.

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