[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E521]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                         RECOGNIZING SUE SIMONE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 4, 2025

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding 
contributions that Sue Simone has made to our community through her 
volunteerism at HPH Hospice. HPH Hospice services Hernando, Citrus, and 
Pasco Counties. In 2022, Sue joined the HPH Hospice Foundation as a 
founding member of the Women of Giving (WOG). She played a crucial role 
on the Steering Committee, helping to define the WOG's operating 
structure, roles, mission, and vision. Together, the members aimed to 
create a significant pool of funds to support the Foundation's various 
charitable programs, all under the guiding principle of ``Igniting Love 
and Spreading Hope.'' In addition to her committee work, Sue also 
became a trained Ambassador for the Foundation. Over the years, WOG has 
achieved remarkable fundraising milestones: In its first year, 20 
members raised $15,675.00. In the second year, 47 members raised 
$40,845. In the third year, despite a smaller membership of 44, they 
raised $51,082.57. At the beginning of this year, the Lightning Hockey 
Team awarded the WOG a $50,000.00 Hero's Award. Each year, during the 
annual meeting, funds are donated throughout the Foundation's programs, 
which include: Charity Care, Adult and Child Bereavement Counseling, a 
camp for kids ages 6 to 17 that teaches them to manage grief and 
reassures them they are not alone in their loss, Building a Children's 
Bereavement Center, Circle of Hope in Pasco County, and renovations in 
Citrus and Hernando counties. Sue has also contributed to the Valor and 
Legacy program in a variety of meaningful ways.
  It is clear Sue Simone has made a profoundly positive impact on our 
community, and I am grateful for her service. May we all strive to 
serve our communities with the same dedication and humility.

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