[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 52 (Tuesday, April 1, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E482]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE AND COMMITMENT OF THE GRAYS HARBOR COMMUNITY 
         FOUNDATION TO GRAYS HARBOR COUNTY IN WASHINGTON STATE

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                           HON. DEREK KILMER

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 1, 2014

  Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 20th 
anniversary of the establishment of the Grays Harbor Community 
Foundation, which has provided unwavering support to the greater Grays 
Harbor County community.
   The Grays Harbor Community Foundation was established in 1994 to 
partner with residents to make investments in the future of our region. 
Through scholarships, grants, partnerships, and support for the arts, 
the Foundation has inspired long-term philanthropy and community 
investment.
   Mr. Speaker, I'd like to highlight a few of the many accomplishments 
of the Foundation. In 2012, the Foundation launched the Technology 
Initiative and provided grants to five school districts that gave them 
the resources to integrate innovative learning tools into the classroom 
and increase student engagement and achievement. I applaud their 
efforts. We know that it is critical to make investments in school 
technology so that all students have access to critical tools they need 
to remain competitive in today's increasingly technology-dependent 
world.
   I commend the Foundation's scholarship program, which supports 
students' aspirations of pursing education beyond high school. 
Education is the door to opportunity and for a lot of families--
including mine--financial aid is the key to that door. This Foundation 
has done exemplary work partnering with students to help them open that 
door.
   Mr. Speaker, the Foundation also partners with an array of excellent 
local organizations to build art installations, provide safe places for 
kids to learn and play, fund afterschool programs, help families cover 
unexpected expenses, and provide access to legal resources. I applaud 
their work in meeting community needs and making Grays Harbor a better, 
more vibrant place to live.
   I am happy to join in the celebration of the Foundation's 20th year. 
As I close, it is only appropriate to acknowledge the work of Executive 
Director Jim Daly, Finance and Accounting Officer Jim George, Program 
Officer Cassie Lentz, Office Manager Cari Jewell, and the Foundation's 
Board of Directors for their ongoing support of the Grays Harbor 
Community Foundation. It is my sincere pleasure to recognize their 
outstanding service today in the United States Congress.

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