[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 124 (Thursday, September 19, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1343]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO TALIA LEMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LATHAM

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 19, 2013

  Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 18-year-old Talia 
Leman of Waukee, Iowa for her charitable efforts and for being named 
one of ten recipients of the 2013 Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards. These 
awards are presented annually to Jewish teens who exemplify the Jewish 
concept of ``repairing the world''.
   Talia's philanthropic spark was first ignited in 2005, when she 
chose to trick-or-treat for change instead of candy in order to raise 
money to help those struggling in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. 
Talia successfully united her classmates into doing the same, and 
shortly thereafter her effort garnered national attention. In the end, 
4,000 school districts across the United States collectively raised 
over $10 million for this effort.
   In this altruistic spirit, Talia established the nonprofit 
RandomKid. This website provides youth with the tools and resources 
they need to formulate and develop community service projects by 
sharing possible ideas, strategies and funding opportunities. RandomKid 
has facilitated the efforts of 12 million youth from 20 countries 
bringing aid to four continents. Examples of RandomKid's reach include 
funding for water pumps, school construction, and medical care.
   Mr. Speaker, I am honored to represent young Iowans like Talia Leman 
in the United States Congress. I know that my colleagues in the House 
will join me in commending her for her sincere dedication to helping 
others and wishing her continued success well into the future.

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