[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 97 (Friday, June 20, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1043]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF SUSAN ``SUE-BEE'' LAGINESS

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. ALAN GRAYSON

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 20, 2014

  Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Lesbian, Gay, 
Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month, to recognize Susan 
Laginess. Known as ``Sue-Bee'', Susan Laginess was born to Mel and 
Charlotte Laginess in the small suburb of River Rouge, Michigan, 
located on the southwest side of Detroit. As the youngest of seven 
children, and an aunt and great-aunt to over 35 nieces and nephews, 
Sue-Bee never had shortage of love or close family values.
  After high school, Sue-Bee entered the hospitality industry in a 
Detroit area hotel and restaurant. Soon after, she joined her newly 
retired parents in the Brevard County area on Florida's east coast. Ten 
years on the beachside managing restaurants and nightclubs led Sue-Bee 
to the areas of event planning, hosting and emcee work. Sue-Bee became 
passionate about being involved in community events and decided to 
leave beachside living for a big city. After the death of her father in 
1991, Sue-Bee moved to Orlando, a city that is still close to her 
mother.
  Sue-Bee began working in theme park restaurants, and soon discovered 
the charm, culture and especially welcoming LGBT community in Thornton 
Park and downtown Orlando. After four years as a manager of Hue 
Restaurant, in 2004, Sue-Bee joined Palm Properties of Central Florida 
and began a career in real estate. A year later, she became part of the 
team at Olde Town Brokers.
  Sue-Bee co-founded Phish Phest events in 2001 to help fill the void 
of lesbian nightlife in Orlando. In its early years, Phish Phest held 
large bi-annual events for the LGBT community. Now they host monthly 
happy hour parties that rotate to different venues and special events 
during Gay Days and the Pride Parade. In 2003, Phish Phest held a 
fundraiser for the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), one of the first 
``unity'' events. Since then, Sue-Bee served several years on the HRC's 
steering committee and is a current Federal Club member.
  Sue-Bee is also a member of the Metropolitan Business Association and 
was a sponsorship director for the organization's largest event, Come 
Out With Pride. She also served as the emcee for the event's signature 
Pride Parade alongside Mayor Dyer.
  Sue-Bee has been on the sales team for the Hope and Help Center's 
Headdress Ball and has hosted numerous fundraisers for the 
organization. She has recently produced events for the Zebra Coalition, 
helping to raise much needed support for Orlando's LGBT youth.
  Sue-Bee has been the emcee and on the committee for the annual 
Scooters 4 Hooters event since 2008. Her involvement has been 
instrumental in raising thousands of dollars in sponsorships and 
donations. Fundraising for Libby's Legacy Breast Cancer Foundation and 
riding her own scooter through Orlando's neighborhood is one of her 
favorite pastimes.
  Sue-Bee currently resides in Thornton Park, sells real estate, is on 
the board for The Thornton Park District, and recently became event 
manager at the Veranda and Neighborhood Rogue.
  I am happy to honor Sue-Bee, during LGBT Pride Month, for her 
contributions to the LGBT and Central Florida communities.

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