[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 213 (Wednesday, December 16, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1164]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO VIVIAN SPADY

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                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 16, 2020

  Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, it is an honor to recognize one of the 
finest community leaders in New York's Sixteenth Congressional 
District, Vivian Spady.
  Vivian Spady has lived in New Rochelle her entire life; her family's 
roots in the area run deep. As a mother, grandmother, and community 
activist, Vivian has been providing opportunities to meet the needs of 
those around her for decades. In 2012, her long-standing vision took 
shape when she launched her non-profit organization--Big Viv's 
Foundation. It started with a successful Christmas toy drive. Ever 
since, she has worked hard to provide necessities and a sense of 
community to those who are most in need. In addition to Christmas toy 
drives, her annual events include Thanksgiving turkey drives, Easter 
egg hunts, winter clothing drives for the homeless and a Mother's Day 
brunch for seniors. Vivian's events have been show-cased in local 
media, most recently in Lohud, the Westchester/Rockland news.
  Bringing children opportunities to learn and grow is one of Vivian's 
biggest joys. With her resourcefulness and drive, dozens of youth have 
attended shows and events including the Monster Jam Auto Show, Liberty 
and Knicks basketball games, and trips to the New York State capital. 
Focusing on young women, Vivian has developed a girl's night out 
program to foster a sense of security and fun while focusing on health 
and hygiene. Vivian has embodied the principle of teaching youth by 
sending children to Iona Prep summer camp and the habitat for humanity 
builder's camp. The horrific coronavirus pandemic has not stopped 
Vivian, she held numerous outdoor events during the summer and fall for 
New Rochelle children, distributed over 100 turkeys for Thanksgiving 
and is continuing with her annual toy drive. No matter what happens, 
Vivian is unstoppable, she has persevered through recovery from 
pancreatic cancer to this year, hospitalization for coronavirus.
  Madam Speaker, Vivian Spady embodies the best of what we, as 
Americans, can be. I am proud to know her and to have served her in 
Congress. Her work continues and the results of her unwavering 
commitment will benefit generations of New Rochelle residents.

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