[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9290]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE BUFFALO CHAPTER OF THE LINKS FOR ITS OUTSTANDING 
            COMMITMENT TO THE BUFFALO COMMUNITY FOR 65 YEARS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 10, 2015

  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today to recognize and 
honor the Buffalo Chapter of the Links for its work in the Buffalo 
community. The Buffalo Chapter of the Links has dedicated their time to 
aiding the Buffalo area through individual and collective volunteerism, 
as well as charitable giving and scholarship awards.
   The Buffalo Chapter of the Links is one of 281 chapters in the 
United States that encompasses national and area initiatives while 
addressing the needs of the local community through 6 main facets: 
Services to the Youth, the Arts, National Trends and Services, 
International Trends and Services, Health and Human Services, and 
Women's Issues. Several members of the Buffalo Chapter have held area 
and national offices, including Link Thelma Hardiman, who served as 
National Vice President and Eastern Area Director, and Link Cecilia 
Henderson, who served as Eastern Area Vice Director, Eastern Area 
Director, and National Secretary. Being the 14th chapter chartered in 
the East and the 20th chapter chartered nationally, the Buffalo Chapter 
has a long history of service to the community, now celebrating 65 
years.
   Throughout the Chapter's 65 years, they have collected over $600,000 
in money for scholarships and have performed 150,200 hours, 
collectively, of service to the community. The Buffalo Chapter of the 
Links has worked on various projects in the Western New York region. 
They have supported local school districts through projects including 
but not limited to after school book clubs. As well, the Buffalo 
Chapter has also volunteered with the Buffalo Philharmonic Fund Drive 
for membership, with an emphasis on enrolling people of color; built 2 
schools in South Africa, and have assisted women transitioning from 
service to their county to reentering the community.
   Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a few moments to honor and 
recognize the Buffalo Chapter of the Links. I ask that my colleagues 
join me congratulating the Buffalo Chapter of the Links on an 
accomplished history of charitable giving, and to commend them for the 
exemplary work they have done to enrich the communities of Western New 
York for the last 65 years.

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