[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 8]
[Senate]
[Page 10433]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING DOMINIC AND BRENDA RANDAZZO

  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor two constituents, 
Dominic and Brenda Randazzo, who have spent much of their lives giving 
back to their community.
  Dominic and Brenda are a remarkable couple. Through 45 years of 
marriage, three children and seven grandchildren, they have maintained 
an unyielding spirit of giving back.
  They were honored recently as the 2008 Servant Leaders of the Year by 
Provena St. Mary's Foundation in Kankakee, IL.
  Provena St. Mary's Hospital has a special meaning for Dominic and 
Brenda. It is where they were both born.
  For many years, both Dominic and Brenda have been among the 
hospital's most loyal supporters. Dominic has served as lead fundraiser 
for the hospital's annual Black Tie Gala for more than 8 years.
  Last year, Dominic asked Brenda if she could lend some helpful 
suggestions for an auction benefiting the hospital. Brenda wound up 
chairing the auction and raised generous contributions.
  Dominic grew up in Kankakee, IL and after he graduated from college, 
spent nearly 2 years in the United States Army, including time in 
Germany. After his years in the service, Dominic went to work for 
Armour Pharmaceutical in 1960 where he met his lovely wife, Brenda.
  Two years ago, Dominic retired as the manager of community and 
government relations for Aventis Behring. This job combined Dominic's 
two favorite passions, community and legislation.
  Brenda grew up in Chebanse, IL, with dreams of becoming a flight 
attendant or an interior designer. After working at Armour 
Pharmaceutical and meeting Dominic, Brenda joined Albanese Development, 
a company that designs, builds, and decorates hotels. Brenda's caring 
nature helped her excel in the hospitality industry, ultimately being 
named General Manager of Year in 2000 by the American Hotel and Lodging 
Administration.
  Provena St. Mary's is only one of many community organizations to 
which the Randazzos give so generously of their time and talents.
  Dominic also spends countless hours with the United Way of Kankakee 
County. In 2004, he chaired that organization's Leadership Giving 
Campaign and broke its previous fundraising record. For his efforts, he 
was honored with the Ken Cote Award, better known as the Mr. United Way 
Award.
  For more than 15 years, Dominic organized the Hemophilia Foundation 
of Illinois' annual Walk-and-Bike-a-thon.
  Throughout her career in hotel management, Brenda, too, has always 
found time to help others. On Halloween, Brenda invited Easter Seals to 
bring children to trick-or-treat at the hotel. She also mentored low-
income women--helping them obtain jobs at her hotels and access to 
public transportation. And she is a stalwart supporter of both the 
Arthritis Foundation and the Rotary Club in Bourbonnais, IL.
  Their motivation for their service is simple and inspiring. Dominic 
and Brenda Randazzo both say that they have been blessed, and they want 
to share their blessings with others.
  We are all enriched by the good works and fine example of caring 
citizens such as the Randazzas. I congratulate both Dominic and Brenda 
on their well-deserved honor and thank them for their many years of 
selfless giving to others.

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