[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 165 (Thursday, October 4, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S6539]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                        TRIBUTE TO EVELYN MOUNT

 Ms. CORTEZ MASTO. Mr. President, today I recognize a pillar of 
the community in Reno, NV: Evelyn Mount. For over 41 years, Evelyn has 
graciously provided Reno residents and families in times of need with 
the comfort of a holiday meal. This year marks the end of an era in 
community leadership in Reno, as Evelyn intends to step away from the 
role of organizing and coordinating her annual food drive.
  Growing up in the small city of Tallulah, LA, Evelyn's family 
instilled in her the importance of the values of sacrifice and service. 
Those values have been at the core of how Evelyn has lived her life, 
putting the needs of others ahead of her own. It wasn't until 1976 that 
Evelyn and her husband Leon brought this selflessness to Reno, NV. Soon 
after her arrival, she began work as a telephone operator at the 
airport. Committed to assisting those in need, Evelyn started 
collecting food donations in her spare time. Her devotion to the Reno 
community did not go unnoticed, as employees from other departments 
quickly contributed to her food collection. To her credit, Evelyn was 
able to collect more than 200 bags of food to distribute amongst 
members of the northern Nevada community. Her success prompted the 
expansion of her operations, which now includes an outreach center and 
several volunteers.
  Nevadans who know Evelyn have come to understand her sense of duty to 
community and affiliate the autumn season as ``Evelyn Mount food drive 
season.'' The sense of community, care, and inclusion that Evelyn has 
given Reno residents is perhaps her most important legacy. She has 
inspired countless volunteers to donate their time and money, while 
providing hope to families who are down on their luck. Because of her, 
a compassionate community of selfless volunteers has grown in northern 
Nevada, including some who were once on the receiving end of food 
donations. Recognizing Evelyn's profound commitment to our community, 
the city of Reno renamed a community center near Evelyn's home, titling 
it the Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Center. This center reminds us 
all of the difference just one person can make in the lives of many.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in further recognizing Mrs. Evelyn 
Mount's legacy for a life of humanitarianism and service to her 
community, for her sense of responsibility to others, and for her fight 
against hunger in Reno, NV. Evelyn Mount is the epitome of a community 
leader, and I admire her unparalleled ability to inspire others to 
donate their time and energy to a cause greater than 
themselves.

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