[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 83 (Friday, May 28, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E996-E997]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CELEBRATING THE 10TH ANNUAL MANTUA KIDS CARE CLUB RACCOON RUN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 28, 2010

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
the 10th Anniversary of the Mantua Kids Care Club Raccoon Run. Each 
year, hundreds of participants and spectators come together for this 
race to promote charitable action and to celebrate the spirit that 
makes Mantua the vibrant community that it is today.
  The Raccoon Run began in 2000 as a community endeavor to raise funds 
for Mantua school families in need. Conceptualized by Joyce Montgomery, 
the initial name was the ``Rocket Run'' but was changed to Raccoon Run 
in honor of the Mantua Elementary School mascot. The Mantua Kids Care 
Club embraced the idea, and became an early supporter of the race.
  When 5th grade teacher Roberta Romano was diagnosed with cancer, the 
race was restructured to benefit a single cause: Life with Cancer. Life 
with Cancer is a program administered by the INOVA Health System that 
provides critical support to caregivers and those afflicted with 
cancer.
  Every year on Mother's Day weekend, we come together to honor the 
memory of Roberta Romano and to support a worthy cause. In the ten 
years since the race's inception, the Raccoon Run has raised nearly 
$100,000.00 and has benefited countless Northern Virginians. As a 
resident of Mantua, the former president of the Mantua Civic 
Association, and most importantly, the father of a Mantua Elementary 
School graduate, I am grateful for the strong sense of community 
exemplified by this annual event.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in applauding the 
efforts of the Mantua community and in thanking all those who have 
supported this worthwhile cause. Events like the Raccoon Run are the 
fabric of a true community and of our society at large.

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