Recognizing Angel Cook

Floor Speech

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Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the unique contributions made in our community by one of my constituents, Angel Cook. Angel is an esteemed member of the community with a huge heart for at-risk youth and a duty to serve beyond measure. For the past 15 years, Angel has committed time, effort, and energy to support the RAP House in New Port Richey and more specifically, the runaway, homeless and foster youth that reside in the shelter. RAP serves an average of 200 youth every year which means that Angel has touched the lives of over 3,000 children.

What drives Angel's dedication and passion is her extraordinary personal story and relationship with RAP House. Growing up in a troubled home, Angel eventually found her way to RAP where she resided off and on for some time. Angel does not hesitate to share how RAP ``saved her life'' and helped her envision a positive and productive future despite the odds. As an ambassador for RAP, Angel has been a part of the Rap River Run (RRR) committee, raising well over $300,000 since 2016 to support RAP in meeting the needs of youth in crisis. These funds are crucial to support operations and services at RAP including counseling, tutoring, clothing, and extracurricular activities. Additionally, Angel has been the RAP Queen of Christmas for over 10 years, gathering youth Christmas wishes and making sure they are fulfilled every year. And what an amazing effort this is. Each child creates a list of 10 wishes and Angel works with the community to make it happen, including a wrapping party to ensure the gifts have a personal touch. The looks on the faces of the kids when they see they were remembered at Christmas and their wishes fulfilled is the touch of magic Angel consistently delivers. One of the true ``doers'' in the community, Angel seems to always be organizing fundraisers and community events to better the lives of others. She helps coordinate annual parades and is involved in numerous local non-profits. She truly is an angel--touching the lives of those she serves.

It is clear that Ms. Cook has made a profoundly positive impact on our community, and I am grateful for her service.

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