[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 143 (Tuesday, September 25, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1967]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E1967]]


   IN RECOGNITION OF LINDA SPEARS' 2007 DON CARLOS HUMANITARIAN AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. HARRY E. MITCHELL

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 19, 2007

  Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize long time 
Tempe resident, past councilwoman and friend, Linda Spears, who will be 
receiving the 2007 Don Carlos Humanitarian of the Year Award tonight in 
my hometown of Tempe, Arizona.
  The Don Carlos Humanitarian Award honors a Tempe resident who upholds 
the humanitarian ideals of Charles Trumball Hayden, Tempe's founder, 
who was referred to as ``Don Carlos'' by Hispanic pioneers due to his 
generosity and compassion for people in need. This prestigious 
recognition is awarded each year by the Tempe Community Council to pay 
tribute to Tempeans for their outstanding humanitarian service in the 
community over an extended period of time.
  Linda served on the Tempe City Council from 1994 to 1998. Yet Linda's 
service to the community dates back to 1990, through a variety of human 
service efforts in the community. Linda continues her dedication to the 
community through her activities with the Boys and Girls Club, 
contributing her leadership and fundraising skills to help the needs of 
children served by their programs.
  Madam Speaker, in addition to her service to the Boys and Girls Club, 
Linda served on the boards of the TIE Foundation from 1997 through 
2003, the Tempe Salvation Army from 1999 through 2002, the Centers for 
Habilitation from 1996 through 2003 and Tempe Community Council from 
1999 through 2007.
  Linda is an active member of Kiwanis Club of Tempe, was elected its 
first female president in 1992 and helped to conceptualize Tempe's 
Fantasy of Lights Parade which now draws crowds of over 45,000 from the 
community. Linda is passionate when it comes to providing affordable 
housing in Tempe, a passion that led her to the boards of the 
Industrial Development Authority and Newtown Community Development 
Corporation. And if that is not enough, Linda's current endeavors 
includes raising money and awareness for the Tempe Community 
Foundation, which provides funding to meet the needs of all human 
service agencies serving Tempe residents.
  Linda's activities should be viewed as those of a true community 
steward. Linda's commitment to our Tempe community truly embodies the 
spirit of Don Carlos and the humanitarian ideals that continue to make 
Tempe a great and desired place to call home. It is for these reasons 
that I join former Mayor Neil Guiliano, the Tempe Community Council, 
and Linda's family and friends in relaying a heartfelt ``thank you'' 
for your service and congratulate her on receiving this award.

                          ____________________