[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 26, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E960]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE WORK OF LANI FURBANK AND KEVIN HARGROVE TO ORGANIZE ``A 
          HAND UP, NOT A HAND OUT'' BENEFIT CONCERT FOR AFRICA

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                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 26, 2010

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize ``A Hand 
Up, Not a Hand Out'' Benefit Concert for Africa. This Benefit Concert 
will raise money for sustainable investments in Africa through the 
Development in Gardening charity organization.
  Development in Gardening seeks to improve the health and well being 
for HIV-positive and other at-risk individuals in developing nations. 
This is accomplished by teaching the skills and providing the 
infrastructure to create sustainable community gardens, thereby 
empowering people to improve both their nutrition and earning 
potential. The program reaches out to orphanages, hospitals and 
outpatient facilities to install micro gardens that provide not only a 
steady source of healthy, fresh vegetables but a sense of community and 
purpose. It focuses on improved nutrition, food security, micro-
enterprise development, home garden extension, personal empowerment, 
and social change.
  This benefit concert is anticipated to raise $5,000 to fund the 
program's ongoing efforts. I would like to commend Lani Furbank and 
Kevin Hargrove for their commitment to helping those in need. Lani and 
Kevin have organized this event, which will result in the betterment of 
countless lives in Africa. Residents of Northern Virginia have a strong 
record of community involvement and charitable giving. I am honored to 
represent a district that is always willing to help those in need, both 
at home and around the world.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
contributions of Development in Gardening and, particularly, the 
efforts of Lani Furbank and Kevin Hargrove. By supporting sustainable 
micro-economic development projects, we invest in the continued well 
being of others. We provide the tools and education for people to be 
self-sufficient and live in dignity.

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