[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 24 (Thursday, February 12, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E203-E204]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO DAN ATWOOD

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 12, 2015

  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an 
individual whose dedication and contributions to the community of 
Temecula, California are exceptional. Temecula has been fortunate to 
have dynamic and dedicated people who willingly and unselfishly give 
their time and talent and make their communities a better place to live 
and work. Dan Atwood is one of these individuals. On February 21, 2015, 
Dan will be honored at the Temecula Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards 
Gala where he will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award.
  After moving to California in the 1970s, Dan quickly immersed himself 
into the automotive industry, eventually purchasing his first 
dealership in 1987. Launching forward from there, Dan opened a second 
dealership, Temecula Toyota. Dan's business has been a staple of the 
community which continually keeps pace with the ever-expanding region. 
In the twenty-five year span that the dealership has been operating, it 
has always been under the watchful eyes of the Atwood family, even as 
the dealership has grown to employ over two hundred employees.
  Dan has given his time to the community not only as a businessman, 
but as a dedicated citizen committed to improving and strengthening the 
Temecula region. He has continually served numerous organizations in 
order to give back to the community that has always supported his 
endeavors. The groups that Dan is involved in span from nationally 
recognized non-profits, such as Habitat for Humanity, to locally 
started organizations such as the Balloon and Wine Festival. For over 
ten years,

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Dan has also opened his doors to Safe Alternative for Everyone and 
their highly successful Denim and Diamonds fundraiser, bringing in 
hundreds of thousands of dollars to benefit victims of domestic abuse. 
Additionally, the gates of the Atwood Estate Winery, another Atwood 
venture, are often opened on multiple occasions during the year to host 
fundraisers benefiting the community. As a firm believer in the future 
of tomorrow, Dan has worked to never miss a chance to participate in 
events that benefit the youth of the community. From sponsoring events 
to providing full-ride college scholarships, to serving as a mentor at 
the Boys & Girls Club, Dan has invested himself in the future 
generations of community leaders.
  In light of all Dan Atwood has done for the community of Temecula, 
the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce announced Dan to be their 
Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Dan's tireless passion for 
community service has contributed immensely to the betterment of 
Temecula, California. He has been the heart and soul of many community 
organizations and events and I am proud to call him a fellow community 
member, American and friend. I know that many local citizens are 
grateful for his service and salute him as he receives this prestigious 
award.

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