[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 13 (Wednesday, January 31, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E120]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN COMMEMORATION OF KINDNESS WEEK

                                 ______


                           HON. MARTIN FROST

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 31, 1996

  Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the Kindness 
Foundation of Dallas, TX, and to praise their efforts to establish the 
week of February 11-18, 1996, as Kindness Week in Texas.
  The Kindness Foundation's mission is to improve the quality of life 
throughout Dallas, and challenge every city in the United States to 
encourage intentional acts of kindness among all of its citizens.
  The Foundation was founded by Dee Silverstein and Jackie Waldman of 
Dallas after they were inspired by the movie, Schindler's List. 
Silverstein and Waldman were stuck by the impact that one committed 
individual could make in the world. They realized that they too could 
make a difference and sought the counsel of the late James C. 
McCormick, a best-selling author and prominent Dallas area businessman 
and city leader; together the three enlisted the help of other 
committed Texans to form Dallas Acts Kind, the grassroots group that 
organized Kindness Week '95.
  The Dallas mayor endorsed the idea and declared February 12-18 1995, 
Dallas Acts Kind Week. The first week of its kind, the event was a huge 
success. Activities included a Kindness Youth Rally for 16,000 area 
seventh and eighth graders with a message to make kindness a way of 
life, an All-City Rally promoting racial harmony and religious 
tolerance, and a gathering in Thanks-Giving Square to celebrate unity.

  As a result of Dallas Acts Kind Week '95, a Universal Prayer was 
written by leaders of the three monotheistic religions--Judaism, 
Christianity, and Islam.
  In addition, the success of last year's event prompted Dr. Don 
Benton, a pastor in the United Methodist Church, to accept a calling to 
serve as the first president of The Kindness Foundation.
  For 1996, a special task force has been coordinating the efforts of 
more than 100 volunteers in planning for Kindness Week '96. Thus far, 
events will include a youth rally designed to promote kindness as a 
strength, the planting of the first ``Kindness Tree,'' an interfaith 
service, a free showing of Schindler's List, an evening of 
multicultural family entertainment, and a city-wide rally organized to 
foster oneness.
  The Kindness Foundation was created by three caring individuals who 
were committed to make their community a better place in which to live. 
Since then, many more have joined them in this worthy cause. It is now 
up to all of us to participate in the effort to spread kindness in the 
course of our daily lives. After all, we all share the responsibility 
in building nurturing and supportive communities.

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