[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 140 (Tuesday, September 20, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S5770]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     REMEMBERING JACKIE LEE HOUSTON

 Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I ask my colleagues to join me in 
reflecting on the life, accomplishments, and service of the late Jackie 
Lee Houston--a prominent businesswoman and philanthropist in the 
Coachella Valley. She passed away on September 14, 2011.
  Jackie Lee Houston was born and raised in Seattle, WA. She began 
modeling as a pre-teen and continued to do so through graduation from 
the University of Washington, from which she earned a degree in 
economics and fashion design in 1956. Her modeling led to a television 
career as Seattle's first female weathercaster, as well as hostess of 
the ``Hoffmann Easy Vision Talent Show.'' For a brief period, she 
pursued a professional career in Los Angeles as a model for Oscar-
winning fashion designer Edith Head; but eventually she returned to 
Seattle to marry her college sweetheart, James Houston.
  In 2005, Jackie and James purchased CBS affiliate KPSP located in 
Thousand Palms--at the time, Jackie was one of only two women in the 
United States who owned a television station. Through public service 
announcements and profiles, they utilized their community-focused 
station to promote causes across the Coachella Valley--from helping the 
homeless to supporting food banks to AIDS research.
  A passionate philanthropist, Mrs. Houston quietly helped struggling 
individuals and her efforts benefitted a wide array of organizations, 
projects, and endeavors--including Angel View Crippled Children's 
Foundation, Palm Springs Stroke Recovery Center, Desert AIDS Project, 
Palm Springs International Film Festival, Palm Springs Art Museum, 
McCallum Theatre, Fashion Week El Paseo, and December Festival of 
Lights parade. She also gave unstintingly of her creativity and time--
using her Rolodex and her home to groom a new generation of 
philanthropists and to organize distinctive red-carpet events that 
raised millions for charity.
  In recognition of Mrs. Houston's profound influence on the Coachella 
Valley and the inspirational legacy she leaves for the community, the 
city of Palm Springs will name the new main entry plaza of the Palm 
Springs Convention Center in her honor.
  On a more personal note, it was an honor for me to have known Jackie. 
She and her husband founded an extraordinary food bank called FIND, 
which is run by Jackie's daughter-in-law, Lisa Houston. I was honored 
to visit FIND with Jackie and Jim at FIND's original Cathedral City 
location in 2009 and again in 2010 at its new home in Indio. I saw her 
great pride in this particular project which helps so many survive, 
particularly in this tough economy.
  I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mrs. 
Houston. She will be sorely missed by so many, including me.

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