[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 195 (Thursday, November 30, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1628-E1629]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING THE NINTH ANNUAL FAMILY CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BILL POSEY

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 30, 2017

  Mr. POSEY. Mr. Speaker, on December 16, 2017, Brevard County 
families, businesses and local community organizations will gather 
together to celebrate the Ninth Annual Christmas Extravaganza. This 
wonderful event, which will take place at Fred Poppe Regional Park in 
Palm Bay, FL, will provide an uplifting message of hope and future 
during this Christmas season as so many families are still facing 
difficult challenges.
  The House at Palm Bay, the City of Palm Bay Parks & Recreation, Gator 
Automotive, Thrifty Produce, Chick-Fil-A, and Church on the Rock, 
Elevation Church, Calvary Chapel, Discover Life Church, Victory Church, 
Jornada Church, Victory in Christ Church, and several other business 
partners have recognized the importance of providing a positive venue 
for residents and children to celebrate Christmas.
  What makes the Family Christmas Extravaganza so special is that there 
is no cost to attend--everything is absolutely free to the public. From 
cotton candy and hot dogs, to live music, and fun activities for 
children, the sponsors of this annual event are committed to serving 
others during this Christmas season and giving back to their community.
  This year, over eighty local businesses and organizations .have made 
donations of food, gift certificates, equipment, cash and goodie bags. 
The Bayside High School Marching Band will be performing along with 
Chagy the Clown.
  Senior Pastor Ken Delgado of The House at Palm Bay said, ``With 
today's news being filled with division, contention and expressions of 
hatred, it is exciting to see the City of Palm Bay, along with the 
city's businesses and the citizens, create an event where love, joy and 
peace are expressed. The Family Christmas Extravaganza is the greatest 
expression that so many people yearn for, and is what the angels 
proclaimed at the birth of Jesus saying ``Peace and good will towards 
all men.''
  Mayor William Capote said, ``The Family Christmas Extravaganza is a 
wonderful annual tradition in the great City of Palm Bay. I am proud to 
be the Mayor of a City where groups like The House church spend so much 
time and energy selflessly giving back to our community. The House has 
captured the giving spirit of the holiday season with this event, 
providing a day of celebration and Christmas joy completely free of 
charge. I've seen the positive impact of the Extravaganza over the 
years and I am excited to see this event continue to grow!''
  Palm Bay City Manager Greg Lynk states, ``I'm excited to welcome the 
Family Christmas Extravaganza back to the City of Palm Bay. Over the 
past several years, the Christmas Extravaganza has become a cherished 
holiday tradition in Palm Bay, reminding all of us the reason for the 
season. The City is proud to partner with The House on this wonderful 
event that brings so much Christmas spirit to the great citizens of 
Palm Bay.''
  Gator Automotive owner Joe Kelly said ``Gator Chrysler has been a 
proud supporter of the Christmas Extravaganza for a few years. I 
support it because indeed it is a great thing the House of Palm Bay has 
established for families that can't enjoy the holiday. I have heard 
firsthand from some of those families and it touches my heart.'' .
  Fred Poppe, Director of Palm Bay Parks and Recreation, said ``I am 
always looking for partnerships in the Community to serve our City to 
the best of our ability. The partnership with The House is very 
important in that we provide a free Holiday spirited event for 
thousands of our residents. It's the kind of partnership that embodies 
the true spirit of the United States of America. Thanks for all that 
you and your hundreds of volunteers do to make this possible.''
  The City of Palm Bay issued a proclamation declaring December 16, 
2017 as Family Christmas Extravaganza Day.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting all those who have worked 
so hard to make the Annual Family Christmas Extravaganza possible; and 
those who spread the Christmas

[[Page E1629]]

spirit through good deeds and charitable acts across our nation.

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