[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 140 (Tuesday, September 10, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S5932]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO TRUDI McMURRY HOLTHOUSE

  Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I rise today in celebration of Trudi 
McMurry Holthouse. Trudi is a remarkable individual whose dedication 
and generosity make a tangible difference in her community.
  On September 18, 2024, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming 
will recognize Trudi during its 26th Annual Awards and Recognition 
Breakfast in Casper, WY.
  Trudi's dedication to Wyoming's spirit of service is exemplary and 
commendable. Through her philanthropic efforts, she has significantly 
shaped the lives of countless individuals, particularly our youth.
  Trudi's roots in Wyoming run deep. Her parents, renowned Wyoming 
philanthropists Neil ``Mick'' McMurry and Susan ``Susie'' McMurry 
instilled in her the values of the Code of the West. Through their 
example, Trudi learned the importance of taking pride in her work. She 
also learned that actions speak louder than words. Mick and Susie 
shared with her their deep-rooted belief in the power of community 
service. Today, Trudi continues her parents' legacy of service as the 
treasurer of the McMurry Foundation.
  Since its founding in 1998, the McMurry Foundation has awarded over 
$104 million in grants. Notably these include large contributions to 
the University of Wyoming, the Wyoming Medical Center, the Casper 
Family YMCA, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming.
  The foundation also gives back to ``the little guys,'' including 
local churches and other small nonprofits. Each year, the foundation 
provides grants to more than 50 organizations across Wyoming. Priority 
is given to those ``with potential to make a lasting difference.''
  Trudi has the honor of serving alongside her family. Her husband 
Tyler is the McMurry Foundation Board's vice president. Their daughter 
Tayla Trujillo is the board secretary and director of foundation 
affairs. Together with a dedicated team of individuals, the Holthouses 
remain committed to the foundation's simple principles: ``Pay it 
Forward'' and ``Build a Better Wyoming.''
  One of the cornerstones of Trudi's charitable work is her service on 
the board of directors for the WYO Complex. This nonprofit was created 
to fund and oversee the WYO Sports Ranch, a multisport training and 
recreation center. Trudi and her husband Tyler are the driving force 
behind this project.
  The Sports Ranch, located in Casper, is scheduled to open in early 
2025. The facility will host local, regional, and national tournaments, 
as well as community events and trade shows.
  Trudi's parents were well-known for creating a safe and loving 
environment for the hundreds of children they fostered. This impressed 
upon her the importance of advocating for disadvantaged youth. As a 
major supporter of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming, Trudi 
honors her mother's legacy as a former long-time board member.
  Established in 1969, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming seek 
to ``enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to 
reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible 
citizens.'' With 11 locations in central Wyoming, the organization is 
the largest low/no-cost youth development provider in the State. The 
clubs offer thousands of youth a safe, nurturing environment to grow, 
learn, and thrive.
  Trudi's ongoing support ensures the clubs remain a beacon of hope and 
opportunity for our children. Her favorite program is WyoTowne, a 
financial literacy program. WyoTowne gives members lifelong workplace 
readiness and financial management skills. In Trudi's words, the 
program ``provides all the kids . . . an important perspective on 
belonging to a community.''
  Trudi's selection as the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming 2024 
Person of the Year is a worthy recognition of her decades of service to 
Natrona County and our great State. Her contributions will surely be 
celebrated by her family: husband Tyler; daughters Alaceia ``Lou'' 
Davis, Tayla Trujillo (Nathan), Tillie Holthouse, and Ellie Holthouse; 
and grandchildren Neil and Lavender Sky.
  Trudi McMurry Holthouse represents the best this State has to offer. 
I am happy to join her family, friends, colleagues, and all those who 
benefit from her generous spirit in congratulating her for this 
distinct honor.

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