[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 24 (Thursday, February 12, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E202]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF BAKERSFIELD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KEVIN McCARTHY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 12, 2015

  Mr. McCARTHY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 50th 
anniversary of the Junior League of Bakersfield. This milestone 
provides us the opportunity to reflect on the importance of civic 
responsibility and volunteerism, demonstrated so admirably by the 
Junior League of Bakersfield's five decades of outstanding service to 
the community.
  In 1952, a few women formed one of the first exclusively service-
oriented societies in Bakersfield: the Community League of Kern County. 
This organization of mothers and daughters from around our community 
sought to organize for the good of their city as an all-volunteer 
association. And there was plenty of work to do. 1952 was also the year 
of the White Wolf Fault Earthquake, a 7.2 magnitude disaster which 
demolished downtown Bakersfield. In the aftermath, the League began 
immediately helping our neighbors.
  From its first days, the League concerned itself with the vulnerable 
in Bakersfield. Incorporating as a chapter of the Association of Junior 
Leagues of America in 1965, the Junior League focused its energies on 
assisting children and the elderly. While singlehandedly executing 
long-term projects, such as the construction of the 1966 Bakersfield 
Community House for Seniors, the Junior League prefers to partner with 
local institutions for joint projects. In the past fifty years, it has 
raised more than a million dollars and volunteered hundreds of 
thousands of hours to help those in need, including hospitalized 
children, teen mothers, the mentally and physically disabled, the 
addicted, the homeless, and the abused. Generous in its charity, 
judicious in its management, our Junior League has long been noted for 
the efficacy with which it directs resources to those whom would 
benefit most.
  In the years ahead, the League will concentrate on sustaining the 
Girls Achievement Program, an initiative aimed at protecting 
emancipated youth, for which they have already granted tens of 
thousands of dollars to local organizations. The Junior League 
represents the best part of Bakersfield's social conscience. On behalf 
of the Bakersfield community, I ask my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating the Junior League of Bakersfield on 50 years of 
accomplishments as we look forward to many more.

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