[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 18 (Thursday, February 17, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E271]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TSUNAMI RELIEF IN THE EIGHTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS----

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MELISSA L. BEAN

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 17, 2005

  Ms. BEAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to victims of the 
tsunami and to the spirit of giving that remains strong in the United 
States today. The devastation felt by so many Asian and African 
families was felt around the world, from Aceh to Illinois.
   My constituents in the Eighth Congressional District of Illinois 
have already raised more than $45,000 to help rebuild communities in 
Southeast Asia. Our schools, churches, banks, local aid organizations 
and local officials have banded together to collect a steady stream of 
donations.
   However, their work is not finished. On February 19th, in 
conjunction with other local officials, Lake Villa Mayor Frank Loffredo 
has organized a tsunami relief fundraiser and auction expected to 
dramatically increase the current total of donations. He will be 
assisted by the generous support of the following officials: Antioch 
Township Supervisor Steve Smouse, Grant Township Supervisor Kay 
Starostovic, Lake Villa Township Supervisor Daniel Venturi, Fox Lake 
Mayor Nancy Koske, Round Lake Beach Mayor Rich Hill, Lake County Board 
Chairman Suzi Schmidt of Lake Villa and County Board members Judy 
Martini of Antioch, Bonnie Thomson Carter of Ingleside and Bob Powers 
of Round Lake Beach, State Reps. JoAnn Osmond of Antioch and Robert 
Churchill of Hainesville, State Sen. Adeline Geo-Karis of Zion and the 
Lindenhurst/Lake Villa Chamber of Commerce. All proceeds will be 
donated to the Tsunami Reconstruction fund through the United Way of 
Lake County.
   In addition, Lindenhurst Mayor Jim Betustak, along with Charter One 
Bank, First American Bank, First Midwest Bank, North Shore Trust & 
Savings, State Bank of the Lakes and State Financial Bank, founded an 
effort called ``Banking on Your Support.'' At the end of the month, the 
Village of Lindenhurst will send proceeds to the American Red Cross.
   But, of special note, I am particularly proud of the students who 
have joined in the relief effort. Such displays of compassion, empathy 
and perspective serve as a model to us all. This demonstration of 
courage and goodwill by our young people suggests a bright future for 
northern Illinois.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me today in 
remembering the tsunami victims and in thanking the citizens of the 
United States and of the Eighth District of Illinois for their 
generosity and caring. While the devastation wreaked upon Asia and East 
Africa will be remembered for years to come, we, in turn, must also 
remember the caring and kindness of our own citizens in response.

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