[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 174]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



 A TRIBUTE TO THE HOMEFIRST CHARITABLE CORPORATION'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL E. CAPUANO

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Saturday, January 20, 2001

  Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize eleven 
extraordinary members of the HomeFirst Charitable Corporation's Board 
of Directors and one extra-special friend of the organization. 
HomeFirst was founded in 1990 for the sole purpose of raising funds for 
other non-profits in the city of Somerville, Massachusetts. At that 
time, the economy was in dire straits and contributions to non-profit 
organizations was at its lowest.
  HomeFirst is run by a Board of Directors, which includes local 
attorneys, community organizers, and business people. There is also a 
ten member Advisory Board that reviews and comments upon every funding 
request. These dedicated people deserve recognition for raising over 
$550,000. Every member of this Board volunteers their time and energy; 
no one receives a single penny for the important and generous work they 
do. Furthermore, funds raised by HomeFirst go directly to other, 
unaffiliated non-profits; not a single penny is spent or distributed by 
HomeFirst itself.
  Volunteerism is of great importance to America. Honoring dedicated 
volunteers, such as the Board of Directors of the HomeFirst Charitable 
Corporation, helps express society's immense appreciation of a job well 
done to these individuals and to all Americans who volunteer to make 
our world a little better place.
  In conclusion, I express the heartfelt appreciation of a grateful 
nation to HomeFirst Board members Mr. Robert Arnold, Mr. James Brennan, 
Ms Barbara T. Capuano, Ms Anna Ciccariello, Mr. Richard DiGirolamo, Ms 
Mary Doherty, Mr. Michael Foley, Ms Francine Mello, Mr. Frank Scimone, 
Ms Joyce Shallah, and Mr. John L. Sullivan. I also express similar 
appreciation to Mr. David Doherty, who generously gave of his time and 
energy to help HomeFirst with every event it ever conducted.

                          ____________________