Kay Bailey Hutchison: “I would like to say a few words about a dear friend and neighbor, whose contributions to my hometown of La Marque, TX…”

“I would like to say a few words about a dear friend and neighbor, whose contributions to my hometown of La Marque, TX, as both a good samaritan and civic leader, have been invaluable. Esther Rice, or ``Aunt Esther'' as many called her, was loved by many people for her compassionate service to the needy in La Marque and for her inexhaustible generosity. Esther was born January 12, 1913, in Jasper, TX, the daughter of Mitchell and Leila Gandy. She was a resident of La Marque for 35 years. She and her husband, C.V. Rice, founded the Youth Aid Project more than 25 years ago when they discovered that one of Mr. Rice's students would not be able to have a Christmas. In subsequent years, the Rices sustained the program with money they raised at the ``Christmas in August'' fundraiser, a much- celebrated community event they initiated. I had the honor last year, with Congressman Jack Brooks, of appearing with Esther at ``Christmas in August.'' It was a great event, once again, to help needy children and needy elderly people have a Christmas.”