[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 75 (Monday, May 19, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E769]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


        RECOGNIZING THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE REBOZO FESTIVAL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JULIA BROWNLEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 19, 2014

  Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize 
the 10th anniversary of the Rebozo Festival of Ventura County, an 
annual event which celebrates the cultural diversity of our region, 
promotes communal pride and encourages philanthropic and educational 
endeavors.
   The first Rebozo Festival took place in 2005 when Las Madrinas (the 
Godmothers), a small group of community volunteers, organized and 
established the event with the intent of raising funds for local 
organizations while celebrating the rich heritage of the Latino 
community by highlighting the colorful Mexican rebozo (shawl) as the 
symbol and theme of the event.
  Over the years, this event has attracted hundreds of local residents 
and out-of-state visitors who enjoy the liveliness of this cultural 
celebration, and above all help contribute to local commendable 
organizations.
   The Rebozo Festival's underlying purpose is a philanthropic one. For 
ten years now, the Rebozo Festival has been able to raise thousands of 
dollars each year for numerous worthy non-profit organizations focusing 
on the cultural, social and educational needs of the region. Past 
recipients of these funds include the Heart 2 Heart Program, United 
Farm Workers Freeze Relief Fund, the Oxnard College Women's Re-entry 
Program and Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy 
(CAUSE). This year's proceeds will benefit Future Leaders of America--
Ventura County, an organization that works with our public schools to 
promote youth empowerment and leadership. Through the selfless 
dedication and work of the event's organizers, the Rebozo Festival has 
been able to raise and contribute over $185,000 to the Ventura County 
community.
   For over a decade, the Rebozo Festival has promoted and celebrated 
the richness and diversity of the Mexican culture and heritage in 
Ventura County. It is with great enthusiasm that I offer Las Madrinas 
my sincere congratulations and I am pleased to join them in celebrating 
the 10th anniversary of the Rebozo Festival.

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