[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 154 (Friday, November 18, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2415]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNITION OF TESSA VELLEK

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                         HON. KENNY C. HULSHOF

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 18, 2005

  Mr. HULSHOF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a very 
special young woman. Tessa Vellek, who hails from my hometown of 
Columbia, MO, is only eleven years old, but has already accomplished a 
lifetime of charitable work. Tessa has created a highly successful 
charitable organization operated by children, known as Euphoria, 
because, as she stated, ``I wanted an organization where kids could 
decide how they wanted to help other people. I wanted the community to 
see that we aren't just followers, but a group of motivated youth 
seeking to make Columbia a better place.'' Among their many 
volunteering activities, Tessa and her friends have collected books for 
schools, shelters and hospitals, gathered food for the homeless and 
entertained seniors living in retirement communities.
  Tessa was recently recognized for her efforts. Every year, Nestle 
honors outstanding young women and men for philanthropic activities in 
their local community. Out of 158 applicants, Nestle selects 24 young 
people for their Very Best in Youth award. This year, Nestle picked 
Tessa as one of the nation's Very Best in Youth. I could not be prouder 
of this young woman. Not only has she dedicated significant amounts of 
her free time to helping out those who are less fortunate, Tessa has 
also amassed an impressive academic record, including earning straight 
A's, receiving prestigious academic achievements and winning an award 
in the National PTA Reflections Essay Contest. I have no doubt she will 
be highly successful in whatever career she pursues, although a budding 
passion for literature and creative writing could lead her to become a 
novelist. These volunteering experiences will surely provide Tessa 
excellent material to draw from in her writing.
  After seeing the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, Tessa organized a 
Ride/Walk fundraising event in Columbia to help those in the Gulf Coast 
affected by the hurricane. Nestle generously agreed to match whatever 
funds were raised. Out of the $210,000 raised nationwide, Tessa and her 
Ride/Walk event netted $71,000. The combined $420,000 has been donated 
to the American Red Cross Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund, which has been 
invaluable to aiding the plight of storm victims. I am always amazed at 
the generosity, benevolence and leadership of to day's youth. With 
people like Tessa and the other Nestle youth recipients, I strongly 
believe the future of our nation is in good hands.
  I hope my colleagues share in my admiration of Tessa's good works and 
encourage all Americans to follow this fine young woman's lead and get 
involved with chritable works in communities and neighborhoods across 
our great land.

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