Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Grays Harbor Community Foundation, which has provided unwavering support to the greater Grays Harbor County community.
The Grays Harbor Community Foundation was established in 1994 to partner with residents to make investments in the future of our region. Through scholarships, grants, partnerships, and support for the arts, the Foundation has inspired long-term philanthropy and community investment.
Mr. Speaker, I'd like to highlight a few of the many accomplishments of the Foundation. In 2012, the Foundation launched the Technology Initiative and provided grants to five school districts that gave them the resources to integrate innovative learning tools into the classroom and increase student engagement and achievement. I applaud their efforts. We know that it is critical to make investments in school technology so that all students have access to critical tools they need to remain competitive in today's increasingly technology-dependent world.
I commend the Foundation's scholarship program, which supports students' aspirations of pursing education beyond high school. Education is the door to opportunity and for a lot of families--including mine--financial aid is the key to that door. This Foundation has done exemplary work partnering with students to help them open that door.
Mr. Speaker, the Foundation also partners with an array of excellent local organizations to build art installations, provide safe places for kids to learn and play, fund afterschool programs, help families cover unexpected expenses, and provide access to legal resources. I applaud their work in meeting community needs and making Grays Harbor a better, more vibrant place to live.
I am happy to join in the celebration of the Foundation's 20th year. As I close, it is only appropriate to acknowledge the work of Executive Director Jim Daly, Finance and Accounting Officer Jim George, Program Officer Cassie Lentz, Office Manager Cari Jewell, and the Foundation's Board of Directors for their ongoing support of the Grays Harbor Community Foundation. It is my sincere pleasure to recognize their outstanding service today in the United States Congress.