[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 77 (Wednesday, June 6, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1023-E1024]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO THE OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE EMPLOYEES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 6, 2001

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
outstanding community service, charitable giving and volunteer efforts 
of the management and employees of the Outback Steakhouse franchise in 
Saginaw Township, Michigan.
  While the Outback Steakhouse is widely known for its excellent food 
and original atmosphere, bringing its special brand of land-down-under 
hospitality to the American culture, the local franchise and its 
dedicated workers also actively support numerous non-

[[Page E1024]]

profit organizations as a way of giving back to the community. The 
local effort began five years ago when former franchise owner Steve 
Jahn identified several charities he wanted to help. Steve put his 
heart and soul into the restaurant's outreach programs and new owner 
Mitch Hudecek has pledged to continue to seek out ways to maintain the 
Outback's exceptional level of community involvement.
  Over the years, the Outback's excellent staff have spent untold hours 
cooking, serving and cleaning at events for organizations including the 
Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America, 
the Boysville Summer Olympics, the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the St. 
Luke's Hospital Epicurean Delight. At no cost to these non-profits, the 
restaurant has donated their mouth-watering steaks, delicious desserts 
and other palate-pleasers to help charities defray the high cost of 
fundraising events.
  Non-profit groups depend upon the largesse of businesses and 
individuals to donate goods and services for enterprises to support 
their endeavors. The Outback Steakhouse and their employees have raised 
the bar for others when it comes to doing one's part for the greater 
community. It is especially noteworthy that Outback workers volunteer 
their time for every event in which they take part. Their dedication of 
time and quality service speaks volumes about them individually and 
about the spirit of voluntarism fostered by the Outback's management. 
In addition, the restaurant continually reaches out to young people by 
providing free tours of the kitchen and its operation to area schools.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing my sincere 
appreciation to the Outback Steakhouse for their generous contributions 
to our community and their continued pursuit of excellence across the 
board.

                          ____________________