[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 182 (Wednesday, November 30, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2132]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       IN HONOR OF THE 2011 FERNANDO AWARD RECIPIENT GARY THOMAS

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                          HON. ELTON GALLEGLY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 30, 2011

  Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Gary Thomas--businessman, 
civic activist and a very good friend to my wife, Janice, and me--as he 
is recognized this Friday as the 53rd recipient of the annual Fernando 
Award.
  The Fernando Award is the highest award in California's San Fernando 
Valley that recognizes exceptional volunteer efforts. It often has been 
called the Academy Award of Volunteerism in the San Fernando Valley and 
is one of the top awards for civic accomplishments in the United 
States.
  Gary is well-deserving of this honor.
  Gary's community service and volunteerism has spanned more than 37 
years and has involved Chambers of Commerce, organizations that have 
political impact in the San Fernando Valley, anti-gang programs, youth 
development organizations, leadership and business programs, and 
nonprofit organizations.
  Gary is responsible for creating many innovative fundraising programs 
for Valley nonprofits and has helped raise more than $5 million for the 
nearly 30 nonprofit organizations for which he has served in leadership 
positions.
  He has served on the Boys & Girls Club of the West for the past 13 
years and is currently Chairman of the Board for the fifth year. Gary 
has served in leadership positions with the Economic Alliance of the 
San Fernando Valley, United Chambers of the San Fernando Valley; the 
Valley Business Corps, and the Wellness Community for the Valley and 
Ventura.
  Gary also has been active with the San Fernando Valley Business 
Advisory Commission and the San Fernando Valley Charitable Foundation.
  Although Gary is being recognized for his activities in the San 
Fernando Valley, I know firsthand that he has also been active in many 
nonprofit and business activities in Ventura County as well.
  A successful businessman, Gary is Senior Vice President and Creative 
Director for Aaron, Thomas & Associates in Chatsworth, a company that 
specializes in creative consulting, graphic design, printing, and 
direct mail services to the political sector and the general corporate 
market throughout the United States.
  Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues join Janice and me in 
congratulating Gary Thomas for the honor of being the 2011 Fernando 
Award Recipient and in thanking him for making his community a better 
place for all to live, work, and thrive.

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