[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 102 (Tuesday, June 19, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E862]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS, RUDY BALDONI

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. KATHY CASTOR

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 19, 2018

  Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have the Big 
Brothers Big Sisters national headquarters in my district, Tampa, 
Florida. Big Brothers Big Sisters is lead by the former two-term mayor, 
Pam Iorio who is beloved in Tampa, and we are proud of her and Big 
Brothers Big Sisters across America. Today in that spirit, I rise to 
honor the accomplishments of a true advocate for children everywhere, 
Mr. Rudy Baldoni. His tireless work for Big Brothers Big Sisters has 
impacted the lives of countless youths. I am grateful to recognize the 
incredible work he has put into the nation's oldest and most effective 
mentoring organization.
  Mr. Baldoni, as the two-year National Board Chairman of Big Brothers 
Big Sisters, has been instrumental in creating meaningful and positive 
change within this incredible organization and for young people who 
need a supportive mentor. Today, he continues to dedicate his time and 
energy to this important cause--leading the board in a time of progress 
and change.
  Mr. Baldoni was born and grew up in California, eventually attending 
the University of Southern California. He earned his J.D. from Western 
State's College of Law and attended UC Irvine in 1989 to earn another 
degree in Commercial and Industrial Development and Management. 
Following his education, Mr. Baldoni worked in real estate development 
as President of Arnel Development Company until 2007 and became 
President and CEO of Newport Investment Associates in 2008, where he 
continued to manage growth and venture capital investments.
  Mr. Baldoni got his start with Big Brothers Big Sisters after 
volunteering to host a dinner for the Orange County, California 
affiliate. In the fine tradition of volunteer organizations everywhere, 
after raising more money than any previous dinner, he found himself 
chairing the board. In 2012, Mr. Baldoni joined the National Board. His 
passion and drive for Big Brothers Big Sisters caused him to stand out, 
as he drove to find new ways to improve the organization and both 
expand and improve its reach. Mr. Baldoni was named National Board 
Chairman in 2016 and was instrumental in sculpting a five-year plan for 
the organization, along with the introduction of new modern technology 
that tracks the match between a Big and a Little. He has also played a 
huge role in adopting new criteria for all Big Brother Big Sister 
affiliates to improve standardization between chapters and has worked 
to rebrand the organization as a whole.
  Overall, Mr. Baldoni's time working with Big Brothers Big Sisters has 
been characterized by his unwavering loyalty and dedication to this 
cause of mentorship. His national perspective combined with a local 
understanding of issues has made him an incredibly gifted leader who 
continues to work for change. His unwavering and endless dedication to 
this cause has made him a true champion for kids.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Tampa Bay community, proud home of the 
national headquarters for Big Brothers Big Sisters, I am proud to honor 
Mr. Baldoni for his formidable efforts and investment in our children 
all across America. The time and energy he has put into this 
organization shaped the futures of children from all different 
backgrounds. By strengthening communities and allowing these positive 
relationships to grow within Big Brothers Big Sisters, his work 
empowers children from Tampa Bay and beyond to achieve, succeed and 
flourish a blessing not just for them but for all of us.

                          ____________________