[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 51 (Thursday, March 26, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E435]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING MARGARETTE PURVIS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 26, 2015

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in honor of Black History 
Month to recognize the important contributions made by African-
Americans across the nation. African-Americans have made countless 
contributions to our country and made many great sacrifices for this 
great nation, and nowhere is the power, heritage, and vibrance of this 
community more visible than in New York City. It is with great pleasure 
that I stand before you today to honor one of our local champions, Ms. 
Margarette Purvis, for her many years of advocacy and work to better 
the lives of families across our community.
  Ms. Purvis leads Food Bank For New York City, the country's largest 
food bank serving one out of every five New Yorkers. In this role, Ms. 
Purvis has led the strategic vision for all of Food Bank's operations, 
philanthropy and programming, including the organization's citywide 
food distribution system and member network of over 1,000 charities and 
schools. In addition, Ms. Purvis, who has more than 20 years of 
experience in services to our nation's most vulnerable, was selected by 
Governor Andrew Cuomo to chair the New York State Anti-Hunger Task 
Force, where she's leading the drafting of recommendations for better 
coordination of hunger relief services and policies throughout the 
state.
  Ms. Purvis has held numerous prestigious positions before assuming 
her current role. She was CEO and Principal of PCG Services, an 
Atlanta-based firm. PCG developed and implemented social and 
philanthropic programming and branding strategies for businesses, 
notables, nonprofits and government agencies. She was also the Vice 
President of National Programming at Points of Light Foundation, 
leading the launch and implementation of its multimillion dollar 
programs and civic engagement units while overseeing large-scale 
disaster initiatives in response to Hurricane Katrina. Prior to each of 
these Ms. Purvis served her first term at Food Bank as the 
organization's Vice President of Programs and Services where for five 
years she developed national award-winning programs, including the 
Education Institute and Kids Cafe programs.
  The common thread through all of Margarette Purvis' professional 
endeavors is a strong passion for others; particularly, a passion for 
prioritizing the needs of our community's most vulnerable individuals 
who are not always able to advocate for themselves. This allegiance to 
fighting the good fight for those who are unable to fight for 
themselves is precisely what makes Ms. Purvis such a remarkable leader. 
I am honored to help serve a community that counts such a fierce 
advocate as an ally, and look forward to continuing to work with Ms. 
Purvis to serve those in need.
  Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished 
colleagues join me in honoring Ms. Margarette Purvis for her tireless 
effort and devotion to helping our community.

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