[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 115 (Thursday, July 11, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E724]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     COMMEMORATING THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE JENNY LIN FOUNDATION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ERIC SWALWELL

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 11, 2024

  Mr. SWALWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Jenny Lin 
Foundation, which provides music education and public safety programs, 
on the occasion of its 30th anniversary, which our community will 
commemorate this month.
  The Jenny Lin Foundation was created in 1994 in response to the 
tragic murder of its namesake, a 14-year-old Castro Valley resident, in 
her own home after returning from school. Jenny was a straight-A 
student passionate about music and friendship.
  To keep Jenny's memory alive, her parents, Mei-Lian and John Lin, 
established the nonprofit in Castro Valley to their daughter's name. 
The Foundation provides student music scholarships, public safety 
community events, and an annual summer music program.
  The hallmark summer music program is free of charge to students in 
the Bay Area and offers programs for orchestra, band, and choir. After 
the five-week program, participants perform in large concerts for the 
community to enjoy.
  In 2023, over 200 students from 29 schools across 12 Bay Area cities 
participated in the program cosponsored by Chabot Community College.
  The Jenny Lin Foundation also hosts safety fairs and workshops to 
inform our communities about child safety precautions for parents and 
children. One specific advocacy effort was the Foundation's work to 
increase the number of books covering safety themes available at East 
Bay public libraries. In 2023, the Jenny Lin Foundation received the 
Jefferson Award for Public Service. This is the most prestigious public 
service award in the United States and was well-deserved.
  I join the community in continuing to mourn the tragic loss of Jenny 
30 years ago and admire Mei-Tian and John's resilience demonstrated 
through their community engagement and advocacy after such a tragic 
loss. May their efforts continue to uplift and support the community 
and keep the memory of Jenny alive in our hearts.