[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9626]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                     NATIONAL TASTE OF PIZZA MONTH

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 6, 2000

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, it is with the utmost pleasure and privilege 
that I rise today to salute the contributions of the Tony Modica Pizza 
Dance Foundation and One World-One Heart, Inc., organizations which 
exemplifies our nation's direction of unity and cultural exchange 
through inter-generational activities and programs.
  One World-One Heart, Inc., a non-profit organization, serves to 
provide access to educational, recreational, cultural and 
intergenerational programs for participants from all ethnic, religious, 
economic and cultural backgrounds. The founders, Catherine Laport and 
Steven Kaplansky have over 30 years of experience of providing non-
profit, social and recreational services to communities at large.
  Tony Modica came to this country as an immigrant and became 
successful in the pizza industry. This foundation is a means for him to 
give back to the community through a program that benefits the elderly 
and the youth. Modica uses pizza as an international symbol of unity. 
Pizza is a favorite food of both young and old and its incorporation 
into a program which features song and dance makes for an enjoyable 
experience for all involved. The foundation has created programs that 
promote unity; and encourage children to stay in school and improve 
their grades. After his lectures, the students and seniors socialize 
and are treated to pizza. The Tony Modica Pizza Dance Foundation and 
One World-One Heart join together every year in June and sponsor a 
month-long celebration of unity and to raise awareness of the joys of 
life through free public activities for all ages which include 
lectures, song, dance and pizza.
  The concept behind the pizza campaign is a simple but powerful one. 
They are not merely celebrating the worldwide love of the delicacy, but 
also the theory that the pizza with its varied toppings on a round of 
bread is symbolic of the many cultures in our society. Our culture, 
like the toppings on the pizza is very different, yet the toppings 
taste great on one foundation of bread. We as a global society have 
more in common than we sometimes can imagine, and our differences can 
be greatly appreciated. It is this commonality which is embedded in the 
joy of life, and respect for one another that is celebrated in the 
month long pizza campaign in June. The events celebrate unity and 
cultural diversity in a fun, spirited way. The campaign brings together 
corporate, non-profit, religious and elected officials who come 
together to support a month of unity; understanding and appreciation of 
cultural diversity. The Tony Modica Foundation and One World-One Heart, 
Inc. are positive examples of how private citizens and non-profit 
organizations can make a difference in the community with the support 
of business and government.
  It is for these reasons that I implore my colleagues from both sides 
of the aisle to join me in recognizing The Tony Modica Pizza 
Foundation, One World-One Heart and ``the Pizza'' in proclaiming June, 
``The National Taste of Pizza Month.''

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