[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 137 (Friday, August 18, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E781]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING SILVIA GUADALUPE GARCIA AND HER ACHIEVEMENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. J. LUIS CORREA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 18, 2023

  Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the achievements of 
Silvia Guadalupe Garcia, the woman behind the Garcia family's legacy in 
the City of Anaheim.
  Silvia Guadalupe Garcia emigrated from Guadalajara, Mexico, to 
Anaheim, California, in 1972, where she worked packing oranges and as a 
housekeeper in nearby hotels.
  It was during this time that she met Frank Garcia, who was working as 
a cook in the restaurant industry. Silvia and Frank married and raised 
a son, Frank, Jr., who was born in 1974, and twin daughters, Veronica 
and Cindy, born in 1979.
  In 1985, Silvia and Frank opened La Casa Garcia Restaurant. 
Initially, they did it all. The couple were the cooks, waiters, cleanup 
crew, and dishwashers. Due to their hard work and perseverance, the 
restaurant became a success, leading the family to become well known 
throughout the community for their excellent food and philanthropic 
endeavors.
  The Garcias, who have been married for fifty years, have continually 
supported those less fortunate, especially the veteran community. One 
of their most notable legacies was the creation of ``We Give Thanks,'' 
a non-profit organization that provides Thanksgiving dinner to some 
15,000 people each year in Orange County.
  Frank credits his success in life to his ``beautiful wife,'' without 
whom ``I would not be the man I am today.'' A dedicated, hardworking 
woman, Silvia has overcome many obstacles in her life, but has also 
experienced many blessings. Those blessings inspired her to create a 
legacy of kindness and respect for her Anaheim community and all of 
Orange County.
  Today, Frank and Silvia still work behind the scenes, while their 
daughters run La Casa Garcia and Frank Jr. operates another successful 
Orange County restaurant.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring and celebrating the 
achievements of Silvia Guadalupe Garcia, a woman for whom we should all 
give thanks for bringing a bounty of joy to our community.

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