[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 132 (Tuesday, December 5, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2077]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN HONOR OF TED BURKE AND BOB MUNCEY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 5, 2006

  Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the generosity of 
the co-owners of the Shadowbrook Restaurant in the city of Capitola, 
Ted Burke and Bob Muncey. The Shadowbrook is known as one of the best 
restaurants in Santa Cruz County. But I am not here to commend them on 
their wonderful cuisine. I stand here today to thank them for their 
humanity and kindness to those in need.
  Since 1982, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Cruz County has created 
one-on-one mentoring relationships between children and responsible, 
caring, and dependable adult volunteers. These volunteers provide 
guidance and friendship to children in need. Many times these adults 
act as role models to children who lack this type of support system in 
their homes. The vast majority of the children live in very low-income, 
single-parent households. The mentoring services of Big Brothers Big 
Sisters have proven effective in preventing juvenile delinquency and 
decreasing school drop out rates. It also improves self-esteem, as well 
as peer-family relationships. By exposing children to new 
opportunities, the volunteer mentors show that options do exist; no 
matter how difficult the child's situation or life experience.
  In 1986, Ted Burke and Bob Muncey began a tradition of closing down 
the Shadowbrook Restaurant to host a luncheon for the little brothers 
and sisters and their mentors. Ted Burke has carried on this tradition. 
During the past 20 years, over 1,000 children and volunteer mentors 
have shared the warmth of the holiday season at a restaurant many of 
the children may never have had the pleasure to dine at. Not only do 
the co-owners provide an amazing festive meal to the children, but the 
staff of the establishment volunteer their time to serve the children 
and volunteers.
  Ted is no stranger to the challenges of raising a family. He has been 
a single parent and knows the value of mentoring in a child's life. He 
values those who take their time to spend with children, and he is 
aware that many of these children neither expect nor ask for anything 
in return. For many of the children, the holidays serve as an 
additional reminder of the hardship they face, as there may be very few 
if any gifts beneath the tree. Ted and his staff kindly share the 
holiday spirit with these children. This annual luncheon is a way to 
not only thank the mentors for their dedication and service, but to 
bring joy to the children during the holiday season.
  Mr. Speaker, for all of these reasons it is with gratitude that I 
acknowledge the Shadowbrook Restaurant during this holiday season for 
20 years of unselfish giving.

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