[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 33 (Wednesday, March 3, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E332-E333]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE STUDENTS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FOUNDING OF THE CHARITABLE 
  ORGANIZATION ``CLOTHES, FOOD, AND EDUCATION FOR THE POOR AND NEEDY''

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PETER DEUTSCH

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 3, 1999

  Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of some distinguished 
South Florida students: Abhishek Gupta, Adam & Diana Deitsch, Connie & 
Hakeem Campbell, Shaun Krueger, Edward & Monique McDuffie, Laurel 
Stephenson, and Samantha Voehringer. Every one of these students in 
between the ages of 7-17 years old, and their outstanding community 
service has truly benefited both the South Florida community as well as 
the world at large.

[[Page E333]]

  During this past Thanksgiving break, my constituent, Abhishek Gupta, 
read several articles in local newspapers describing the unfortunate 
situation of many poor and needy families in his local community and 
around the world. The eleventh grade student set himself the lofty goal 
of raising $50,000 in order to promote and combat this cause. With 
encouragement from his parents and help from several local students, 
Abhishek created a non-profit organization called ``Clothes, Food & 
Education for the Poor & Needy'' to help less fortunate families.
  Finding corporate sponsors to pay for operational expenses, Abhishek 
appealed to an received contributions from the local community members 
who responded with both enthusiasm and compassion. In the end, their 
goal was exceeded by raising $60,000 in just a few weeks. The money was 
donated to the Sun-Sentinel Children's Fund, the Miami Herald Wishbook 
in Southeast Florida, and to victims in Central America affected by 
Hurricane Mitch. In a very short time, the once bold idea developed not 
only a reality, but into an overwhelming success.
  In December 1998, Lynn Stephenson, R.N., and Abhishek Gupta were 
invited to accompany a medical team on a mission of mercy to Honduras 
and Nicaragua from 12/26/98 through 12/31/98. In their possession were 
120 boxes of food, clothing and medical supplies for distribution. In 
the three days the team of doctors was in Central America, they were 
met by an overwhelming number of patients to whom they provided badly 
needed medical treatment. By the end of the three days, they had seen a 
total of 594 patients.
  Mr. Speaker, ``Clothes, Food and Education for the Poor and Needy'' 
is committed to supporting needy families and education in South 
Florida and around the world. The organization will continue to seek 
contributions for this worthy cause. Their vision is to make this an 
effort that continues throughout the year, thus creating the 
possibility of having a positive effect on the lives of people who are 
less fortunate.

                          ____________________