[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 53 (Wednesday, April 27, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E801-E802]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING RITA K. RONEY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RUBEN HINOJOSA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 27, 2005

  Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, this Saturday the Girl Scouts--Tip of 
Texas Council will honor Rita K. Roney with the Woman of Distinction 
Award. This award is given to someone who exemplifies the ideas and 
characteristics of the Girl Scout movement and Rita Roney is truly 
deserving of this honor.
  A native of McAllen, Texas, Mrs. Roney joined the Girl Scouts as a 
child and has continued to support this fine organization as an adult. 
Working with the Girl Scout board of directors, she has been 
instrumental in raising the needed funding for the amphitheatre at the 
new Rio Grande Valley Girl Scout Camp. The amphitheatre will be used 
for ceremonies, chapel services and other programs.
  Rita Roney has not just confined her efforts to supporting the Girl 
Scouts. She is wellknown throughout the region for her dedication to 
the community. She serves on numerous boards including the Rio Grande 
Valley Community Foundation, the McAllen International Museum, the 
McAllen Medical Center Auxiliary, the McAllen Opera Guild, the Rio 
Grande Valley International Music Festival and the McAllen Performing 
Arts.
  She has a talent for fundraising that she began honing at the age of 
10 when she organized a school fundraiser for the March of Dimes. Over 
the years, she has been instrumental in raising millions of dollars for 
groups such as the Boys and Girls Club, the Muscular Dystrophy 
Association, Mujeres Unidas,

[[Page E802]]

McAllen Junior League, and the St. John's Day School.
  Rita has a particular concern for improving the lives of young people 
and has been involved with anti-drug campaigns and with improving 
educational opportunities for local children. She has also been an 
advocate for seniors and can often be found at local nursing homes 
visiting residents.
  Rita Roney has truly exemplified the highest level of community 
service and is an outstanding role model for young people. I join the 
Girl Scouts in congratulating her on being the recipient of this year's 
award.

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