[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 47 (Tuesday, April 3, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E528-E529]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO STEVE GIBBS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ROB PORTMAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 3, 2001

  Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Steve Gibbs, 
a dear friend and community leader who will be recognized on April 21, 
2001 by the FreeStore/FoodBank for 26 years of service with the 
organization.
  The FreeStore/FoodBank was founded in Cincinnati in 1971. Steve has 
been a vital part of the organization as President and CEO nearly since 
its inception 30 years ago. Thanks to his dedication and hard work, the 
FreeStore/FoodBank has blossomed from a small, one-man operation into a 
thriving enterprise that literally has helped millions of people 
throughout Cincinnati, northern Kentucky and southeastern Indiana.
  The mission of the FreeStore/FoodBank is ``to provide food, products 
and services for those in need, and to further their self-reliance.'' 
As one of the largest foodbanks in Ohio, it helps to feed nearly 
300,000 people in our area each year. It also provides clothes and 
housing and employment assistance to the needy, and fills the pantry 
shelves of over 550 agencies, soup kitchens and shelters with donated 
food. Last year, it distributed close to 9 million pounds of donated 
and salvaged food, valued at more than $22 million.
  Also serving as President of the Ohio Association of Second Harvest 
Foodbanks, Steve's

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vision and ability to link sometimes unlikely partners also has helped 
to launch a number of innovative programs that continue to serve the 
needs of our community. One such partnership includes a joint venture 
between the FreeStore/FoodBank and the University of Cincinnati's 
Health Resource Center to provide medical care to those who cannot 
afford it. Among other initiatives, he also established a relationship 
with Goodwill Industries to help increase donations.
  Thanks to Steve's efforts, the FreeStore/FoodBank is often recognized 
as one of Cincinnati's most outstanding charitable organizations. All 
of us in the Cincinnati area thank Steve for his dedication to 
improving the lives of others.

                          ____________________