[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 11855]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


  HONORING THE LATE MAYOR JAMES D. GRIFFIN ON THE OCCASION OF THE RUN 
                           JIMMY RUN 5K RACE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 18, 2013

  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to remember the life and 
legacy of one of Buffalo's great leaders, our late Mayor James D. 
Griffin who served as the city's top civic leader from 1978 to 1993, on 
the occasion of the first race held in his honor, the Run Jimmy Run 5k.
   Inspired by Mayor Griffin's tenacious spirit, dedication to the City 
of Buffalo, and commitment to good works and good causes, the Run Jimmy 
Run 5k kicks off at 10 am on July 21, 2013. The proceeds from the day's 
events will benefit the Alzheimer's Association of Western New York. 
Additionally, items will be donated to the City Mission and baseball 
tickets will be donated to the Special Olympics, organizations that 
were near and dear to Mayor Griffin's heart.
   Beginning at One James D. Griffin Plaza, in front of the baseball 
stadium for which Mayor Griffin was the driving force behind building, 
the race course passes through the heart of downtown and along the 
waterfront. After the race's completion at home plate, there will be a 
post-race party and Bison's baseball game.
   The Run Jimmy Run charity event was initiated by Mayor Griffin's 
children to honor the memory of their father and raise funds for an 
organization that they came to rely on in a very personal way. Mayor 
Griffin succumbed to a rare neurodegenerative disorder and many of the 
nurses who cared for him were trained by the Alzheimer's Association.
   Alzheimer's is a tough disease that touches many of our lives. It's 
critically important that we continue to fight for increased funding 
for Alzheimer's research and I pledge to continue that fight in 
Washington. I wish to sincerely thank all those involved with the Run 
Jimmy Run 5k, especially Mayor Griffin's three children Maureen, Megan 
and Thomas, for their efforts in the fight against Alzheimer's.
   Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a few moments to remember the 
incredible legacy of our late Mayor James D. Griffin and the work he 
has inspired for the future of Buffalo. I can think of no better 
tribute to the man who brought professional baseball back to Buffalo 
then a run through downtown Buffalo, followed by a ballgame at ``The 
Field that Jimmy Built.'' I wish to extend all participants and 
organizers a successful run and fun-filled day with special thanks to 
Mayor Griffin's children, extended family and friends for honoring the 
life and legacy of the late, great Mayor James D. Griffin.

                          ____________________