[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 124 (Friday, July 28, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1556]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                         TRIBUTE TO CHRIS GROSS

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                        HON. ANDREA H. SEASTRAND

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 28, 1995
  Mrs. SEASTRAND. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise to share the 
inspiring story of an ordinary citizen who is accomplishing 
extraordinary things. From the moment we mounted the stage of America, 
the family of Americans who called this continent home have come 
together in adverse and tragic times and demonstrated the best elements 
of free man. From the first winters at Jamestown there have been 
countless demonstrations of what Lincoln called the better angels of 
our nature. Some of these stories will be preserved in our history 
books, films, and folklore. It is my wish that one such example of an 
American helping those in need and inspiring others to do the same be 
recorded in the Congressional Record.
  Like most Americans, Mr. Chris Gross watched in horror the tragic 
scenes that followed the Oklahoma City bombing. Not content to just sit 
and watch, he committed himself to an ambitious goal--help the 137 
children who lost a parent in the Oklahoma City bombing by raising 1 
million dollars for a college fund. He began by donating a year of his 
own salary. This extraordinary display of generosity by this 26-year-
old from Fremont, CA, has inspired others from all over the country to 
give to this admirable cause. As Mr. Gross holds a fundraiser in the 
22d Congressional District of California on August 9, he will have 
already raised more than $500,000.
  When Mr. Gross reaches his goal, he will have done more than help 
financially provide for 137 children's education. He will have also 
inspired all those who have heard of his commitment and remind us that 
Americans are the most generous and charitable people on Earth.


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