[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 22 (Tuesday, February 12, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E128]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRESSIONAL RECOGNITION FOR UNITED WAY OF TUCSON AND SOUTHERN ARIZONA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. RON BARBER

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 12, 2013

  Mr. BARBER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the United Way of 
Tucson and Southern Arizona, which has been recognized as a leader 
among its peers.
   The United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona is in the top 2 
percent of all United Way organizations in the country, according to a 
new business performance index developed by United Way Worldwide. This 
special status is based on leadership abilities, engagement in the 
community and for developing and implementing community strategies that 
get results.
   That means that they are among the top 24 United Ways in the 
country--and I couldn't be prouder to have them serving Southern 
Arizona.
   The United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona serves a community of 
more than 1 million residents. Only 55 of the 1,215 United Way 
organizations in the nation are that large.
   The United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona was recognized for its 
impact promoting early literacy skills, engaging youth in afterschool 
programs, helping families become more financially stable and helping 
seniors remain healthy and active.
   I especially want to recognize the accomplishments of Tony Penn, 
president and chief executive officer of the United Way of Tucson and 
Southern Arizona. As a leader in his field, Mr. Penn and the United Way 
of Tucson and Southern Arizona will be asked to share their best 
practices with other United Way organizations around the country.
   Mr. Penn and his organization are deeply committed to getting more 
children into high-quality childcare, providing mentors for underserved 
teens, preparing free tax returns for low- to moderate-income families 
and providing volunteer opportunities to seniors to keep them healthy 
and engaged in the community.
   I know firsthand the impact that the United Way can have on a 
community, having had the honor to serve on the United Way of Tucson 
and Southern Arizona's board. Southern Arizonans are lucky to have the 
dedicated and talented staff of the United Way helping to strengthen 
our community each and every day.
   I am proud to recognize the United Way of Tucson and Southern 
Arizona as well as its board members and its staff under the direction 
of Tony Penn for their significant contributions to our community.

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