[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 4, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E8-E9]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF WASHINGTON HOSPITAL'S SERVICE LEAGUE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 4, 2005

  Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the 50th anniversary 
of Washington Hospital's Service League. Washington Hospital, located 
in Fremont, CA, will mark the anniversary at a celebration on February 
7, 2005.

[[Page E9]]

  At 11:30 a.m., on March 6, 1955, ground was broken for the 
construction of Washington Hospital. During this same month, 14 civic-
minded women in the community came together to plan a volunteer 
organization that would work in and for the hospital.
  As a result of their commitment, the Washington Hospital Service 
League became a reality in 1956; the hospital opened on November 24, 
1958. The Service League's goal was--and still is--to support the 
hospital by purchasing much needed equipment and to assist patients, 
visitors and staff.
  Over the years, the Service League has raised more than $1.79 million 
for equipment in almost every department at Washington Hospital, 
enabling community members to obtain state-of-the-art health care in 
their own community. Seed money donated by the Service League helped 
bring to fruition Washington Hospital Healthcare Foundation, 
Washington-Stanford Radiation Oncology Center and the Community Health 
Resource Library.
  One of the Service League's activities that has continued to change 
the lives of so many in the community was the establishment of a 
scholarship program in 1961. Since the first nursing scholarship in the 
amount of $150 was awarded to a nursing student at Highland Hospital, 
the volunteers have given more than $150,000 to students seeking a 
career in health care.
  The Service League volunteers also bring a human touch--freely 
offering a cheerful smile, a friendly attitude and thousands of hours 
of service to the hospital's patients, visitors and staff.
  I join in congratulating all the volunteers who have contributed to 
the success of the Washington Hospital Service League over the past 50 
years, and the present-day volunteers who continue to make a positive 
difference by giving back to the community.

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