Floor Statements
Statement on the Moses and Aaron Foundation
Washington, DC,
July 24, 2006
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call attention to a worthy organization, one committed to special children and their families. The Moses and Aaron Foundation's significant and enduring efforts under the direction of the president, Rabbi Yaacov Kaploun, and executive vice president, Yehuda Kaploun, deserve the highest praise, as do the philanthropists who have given of themselves to fulfill its mission. The Moses and Aaron Foundation Special Fund for Children is an all volunteer organization and is dedicated to assisting children with disabilities and their families with a wide range of programs including social, physical, and financial, as well as counseling and guidance. It also provides scholarship funding to educational institutions, collects, purchases, and distributes clothing for children in need and remembers them with presents at holiday time or when hospitalized. In cooperation with Bally Total Fitness Centers, the Moses and Aaron Foundation has been able to establish physical fitness and therapy centers. The foundation has arranged for sound and musical equipment in other institutions as well to help improve the conditions of disabled children. On Saturday night, August 5, 2006, at the Sullivan County Community College in Loch Sheldrake, NY, the Moses and Aaron Foundation will sponsor its 10th Summer ``Chazak--Strength'' concert honoring and paying tribute to special and outstanding children. This concert is presented under the honorary chairmanship of Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel and is produced by STB Jewish Music Productions. The guests of honor will be the special and outstanding children, many of whom will perform with the entertainers on stage. More than 40 organizations and schools serving the needs of physically and mentally disabled children will be represented at this event. The Chazak Concert and the Moses and Aaron Foundation's other programs demonstrate the caring and compassionate concern for the quality and dignity of life of others and merit the appreciation of all those who have benefited from its services. The Moses and Aaron Foundation was founded in memory of Rabbi Dr. Maurice I. Hecht and Aaron Kaploun, both of whom led lives of exemplary community service. It is in this sentiment of communal dedication that the Moses and Aaron Foundation has devoted itself to serving the needs of a unique group in the community. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring the Moses and Aaron Foundation, an organization which exemplifies the generosity of spirit in American society.
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