[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 25 (Thursday, February 14, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S1052]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RETIREMENT OF CAROLYN DOWNS

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I wish to recognize the service of 
Carolyn Downs. She has tirelessly worked on behalf of the poor 
throughout her life, including many years of outstanding service as the 
director of The Banquet in Sioux Falls, SD. Carolyn has been committed 
to providing a safe place where people may gather to receive 
nourishment and fellowship.
  Throughout her 20 years at The Banquet, Carolyn has touched the lives 
of innumerable needy individuals and families. Her devotion to feeding 
the hungry sets an example to the community of a life devoted to the 
betterment of people all over South Dakota. All of the guests that she 
has served have seen what is described as her cheerful strength.
  Her work at The Banquet has not only touched the lives of the hungry 
but has given many South Dakotans an opportunity to volunteer and 
become involved in their community. Carolyn's work has brought out the 
best in people around her and is an inspiration to all of South Dakota.
  Under her leadership, The Banquet turned into a vital resource center 
institution for the hungry and is one of the pillars of the Sioux Falls 
community. Her humility, grace, leadership skills, and humble service 
will be greatly missed when she retires. All of her work has not been 
for public praise or external reward but, rather, a deeply held belief 
in serving others. The State of South Dakota and all of its residents 
owe her a debt of gratitude for all that she had done to better it.
  Carolyn will be retiring this February. Though her day-to-day 
presence at The Banquet will be greatly missed, her years of hard work 
are appreciated by all that volunteer and use The Banquet. I applaud 
Carolyn Downs's service and thank her for her time and efforts. 


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