[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 11 (Friday, January 17, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E55]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE ROTARY CLUB OF BOCA RATON'S OPAL AWARD HONOREES LAURA 
                                 REISS

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                        HON. THEODORE E. DEUTCH

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 17, 2020

  Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, I am honored to rise today in recognition 
of the important work done by the Rotary Club of Boca Raton and to 
congratulate a recipient of their Outstanding People and Leaders (OPAL) 
awards, Laura Reiss.
  Laura has always believed in a world where people celebrate and 
support each other. In 2008, she harnessed this belief and started a 
free after-school Kindness program at Sunrise Park Elementary in Boca 
Raton, FL where her children were going to school. This kindness 
movement that began as a single club became The Kindness Matters 365 
Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that educates children about 
the importance of being kind to themselves and to others, and 
contributing to society so they can make a positive impact in their 
communities and the world.
  The Foundation has spread to nine states, with more than 500 
ambassadors and 4,000 members in 90 chapters. As part of their service-
learning based and community service projects, these clubs have 
collected and distributed over $1,347,300 in goods, supported 45,900 
individuals, raised $2.5 million in disaster relief, and reported over 
613,213 community service hours.
  Through her philanthropy, service, and selfless sacrifices, Laura 
Reiss has touched countless lives and made a lasting impact on our 
South Florida community. The work she does and the time she has put in 
is truly deserving of this award.
  I extend my most sincere congratulations to Laura and to all of 
tonight's honorees. As we begin this new year, I am confident that the 
Rotary Club of Boca Raton will continue to be a cherished institution 
in South Florida that betters our community. I greatly appreciate the 
Club's work and am pleased to honor their OPAL and Lifetime Legacy 
Award honorees.

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