[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 118 (Tuesday, September 10, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1271]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           100 YEARS OF MORONGO BASIN HISTORY; 2009 IN FOCUS

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                             HON. PAUL COOK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 10, 2013

  Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 100th Anniversary of 
the Morongo Basin. It is the honor of a life time to be able to serve 
the people of the Eight Congressional District in Washington, D.C. As 
seen over the course of the Basin's 100 year history, this region 
maintains a strong sense of community and upholds many noble 
traditions. Today I am here to talk specifically about Ms. Mara Cantelo 
and the strong sense of volunteerism she brings to the community.
  Over the past 100 years, there have been many shining moments to 
which we can remember the Basin. The year 2009 comes to mind when I 
think of its altruistic spirit. It was in 2009 that Mara Cantelo, a 
Coachella Valley native, received the Jefferson Award from the American 
Institute of Public Service in recognition of her steadfast and 
selfless efforts to help those who are less fortunate. Mara has been a 
paragon of benevolence in her community since 1984 when she co-founded 
Tender Loving Christmas with her mother Julie Tunstall.
  As the name suggests, Tender Loving Christmas was dedicated to giving 
care and compassion, in the form of food, to those who needed it most 
in the holiday season. Since then it has grown to become Tender Loving 
Cause, and has taken to providing for the poor year round. This 
charitable labor of love has successfully fed nearly 3,500 impoverished 
people since its inception, and will undoubtedly serve thousands more 
in the future.
  To the people of the Morongo Basin, thank you for including me in 
your 100 year project. The sense of volunteerism you and Mara bring to 
your community is admirable and a true beacon of inspiration to us all.

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