[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 5 (Tuesday, January 29, 2002)]
[House]
[Pages H88-H92]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING LIFE OF DAVE THOMAS
Mr. WELDON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and
agree to the resolution (H. Res. 336) honoring the life of Rex David
``Dave'' Thomas and expressing the deepest condolences of the House of
Representatives to his family on his death.
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Res. 336
Whereas the House of Representatives has learned with great
sadness of the death of Dave Thomas from liver cancer at the
age of 69 on January 8, 2002;
Whereas Dave Thomas, born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on
July 2, 1932, and adopted shortly thereafter by Rex and
Auleva Thomas, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, was a lifelong
advocate and activist for the cause of adoption;
Whereas Dave Thomas, in 1979, was awarded the Horatio Alger
Award for dedication, individual initiative, and a commitment
to excellence, as exemplified by remarkable achievements
accomplished through honesty, hard work, self-reliance, and
perseverance;
Whereas from 1990 until 2000 Dave Thomas was the national
spokesman for numerous White House adoption and foster care
initiatives;
Whereas Dave Thomas received numerous awards, including the
Angel in Adoption Award by the Congressional Coalition on
Adoption, for generating awareness of the thousands of
children waiting for permanent homes and loving families;
Whereas Dave Thomas, in 1992, established the Dave Thomas
Foundation for Adoption and donated his speaking fees and
profits from sales of his books, ``Dave's Way, Well Done!''
and ``Franchising for Dummies'', to adoption causes;
Whereas Dave Thomas established the Dave Thomas Foundation
for Adoption to work with national adoption organizations,
individuals, and public and private agencies to raise
awareness about children awaiting adoption and to provide
direct support for programs seeking to find permanent homes
for children in foster care;
Whereas Dave Thomas established the Dave Thomas Center for
Adoption Law to ease and facilitate the adoption process
through education, advocacy, and research;
Whereas Dave Thomas was a constructive force in shaping
corporate health policy to cover adoption expenses and,
through his efforts, 75 percent of Fortune 1000 companies now
offer adoption benefits to their employees;
Whereas Dave Thomas received the 2001 Social Awareness
Award from the United States Postal Service for being
instrumental in the use of the Adoption Awareness postage
stamp as a vehicle for highlighting the cause of adoption;
Whereas Dave Thomas founded Wendy's Old-Fashioned
Hamburgers in Columbus, Ohio, on November 15, 1969, and
transformed it into one of the most successful food
franchises in the country and, in promoting Wendy's, became a
national figure representing a friendly face, good food, and
a kind sense of humor;
Whereas Dave Thomas, in 1993, 45 years after leaving
school, earned his GED certificate and received his high
school diploma from Coconut Creek High School in Fort
Lauderdale, Florida, securing him as role model to students
of all ages; and
Whereas Dave Thomas used his financial success to promote
and advance the cause of adoption: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) recognizes that America has lost one of its most
dedicated and hardest working advocates for adoption, and
honors him in his devotion to family, life, and business; and
(2) expresses its deep and heartfelt condolences to the
family of Dave Thomas on their loss.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Florida (Mr. Weldon) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Weldon).
General Leave
Mr. WELDON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all
Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their
remarks on House Resolution 336.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Florida?
There was no objection.
Mr. WELDON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have the House consider House Resolution
336, an important resolution introduced by the distinguished
gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Pryce). This resolution recognizes and
honors the remarkable life of Dave Thomas and expresses the House of
Representatives' condolences to his family on his recent death.
Mr. Speaker, Dave Thomas, founder and chairman of Wendy's
International, passed away on January 8, 2002, from cancer. Dave Thomas
was an extraordinary man. Thomas founded Wendy's Old Fashioned
Hamburgers Restaurants in 1969 and named the company after one of his
daughters. This restaurant chain grew explosively to more than 6,000
locations worldwide. Dave Thomas was a successful businessman. He also
shared his humor, friendliness and humility with the American public
which was evident through his television commercials.
But his legacy does not consist of his business success alone. Dave
Thomas energetically championed an issue that is close to my heart,
adoption. I am the father of two adopted children and a Member of the
House Adoption Caucus. I understand Mr. Thomas' passion for making sure
that all our children are wanted, loved and provided with a nurturing
home.
Thomas was himself adopted, and he became a passionate advocate for
adoption. In 1992 he created the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.
The foundation's goal was simple and straightforward but profound:
Every child will have a permanent home and loving family.
Mr. Thomas has testified before Congress in support of adoption tax
credits and adoption legislation, appeared in several television public
service announcements, and led an initiative to create the adoption
stamp that was issued by the U.S. Postal Service in May 2000. He also
established the Dave Thomas Center for Adoption Law to facilitate the
adoption process through education advocacy and research.
Dave Thomas worked hard to advance the cause of adoption and
heightened awareness in our country about the fact that all children
deserve the love and security of a family. For this achievement alone,
Mr. Speaker, Dave Thomas earned the respect and gratitude of the
American people.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all Members to support this resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume. I am pleased to join with the gentleman from Florida, chairman
of the Subcommittee on Civil Service and Agency Organization, in
consideration of this resolution. I also want to commend the
gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Pryce) for her sensitivity in introducing
this legislation to the floor.
Mr. Speaker, Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy's Old Fashioned Hamburgers
Restaurants, died of cancer on January 8. In a tribute to Thomas,
Wendy's web page notes that ``Dave was much more than Wendy's founder
and senior spokesman. He was a mentor to many hundreds of people he
personally helped and thousands who have been inspired by his
leadership.''
Born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on July 2, 1932, Mr. Thomas was
adopted by Rex and Auleva Thomas of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and became a
lifelong advocate and activist for the cause of adoption. Thousands
have been inspired by his leadership and personal commitment to finding
homes for children in foster care.
Mr. Thomas was a talented and dedicated businessman, but he was also
a leader who accepted the challenge of ensuring that every child has a
permanent and loving home. Every day in this country, more than three
children die as a result of abuse or neglect. In 1997, an estimated
1,197 children died as a result of abuse or neglect. Seventy-seven
percent of those children died before reaching their third birthday.
Dave Thomas was their advocate and their friend.
[[Page H89]]
An estimated 1.35 million children in the United States are homeless.
Children made up 23 percent of the homeless population in 1996, a 10
percent increase since 1987.
{time} 1415
Dave Thomas was their advocate. Of the children in foster care in
1998, 110,000 had a goal of adoption. Dave Thomas was a leader and
advocate to help these children realize their goal. That is why in July
of 1992, Dave Thomas established the Dave Thomas Foundation for
Adoption.
The cornerstone of the foundation was to make adoption work for
children and parents. The foundation serves an active voice for the
more than 134,000 children in the public child welfare system who are
waiting for permanent homes and loving families.
Wendy's followed Thomas' lead and officially declared adoption as its
charity of choice in 1994. In fact, Wendy's adoption efforts, such as
posters, trade liners and public service announcements account for
approximately 40 percent of all calls taken at the National Adoption
Center's toll-free number, 1-800-TO ADOPT.
Dave Thomas' leadership and advocacy have made a tremendous
difference in the lives of children waiting to be adopted in the United
States. Mr. Thomas truly lived the motto ``If I can help somebody as I
pass along, if I can cheer somebody with a word of song.''
Dave Thomas was indeed not only a hero to the thousands of children
who are in need of adoption, but all of us who need inspiring, who need
inspiration and information relative to this great public need.
So, Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to join in support of
this resolution. Once again, I commend the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms.
Pryce) for its introduction.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. WELDON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the
distinguished author of this resolution, the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms.
Pryce), be permitted to control the remainder of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Walden of Oregon). Is there objection to
the request of the gentleman from Florida?
There was no objection.
Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Florida for so graciously
allowing me to manage the time for this important resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I am very honored to be here today to remember Dave
Thomas. My deepest condolences go to Dave's beloved wife, Lorraine, his
children, his grandchildren, and to the many, many people who loved him
at Wendy's International and across the United States of America. It
was easy to love Dave. He was a selfless, kind and thoughtful man whose
fun-loving nature and honest disposition made him a friend to so many.
Most of America will remember Dave as the face of Wendy's, that
square hamburger made with pride to perfection. I know I remember when
the first Wendy's was launched in my hometown of Columbus, Ohio, back
in 1969. Today, over 6,000 Wendy's are sprinkled throughout the
neighborhoods and cities across the U.S. and in 34 countries.
There is no question, Dave Thomas will be remembered as a man of
humble beginnings who created one of the most successful fast-food
chains in the entire world. He was indeed a business giant, a
remarkable man.
But today I ask that we also remember Dave as a tireless champion for
children, for the thousands of children who do not have families to
care for them, who do not have permanent homes, and who are waiting to
be adopted.
As an adopted child himself, Dave felt so fortunate to have been
given a family to care for him, to love him and to support him.
Throughout his life, he carried with him an acute awareness for the
wonderful and generous gift he was given; and as he grew to manhood, he
never forgot his roots, and in time he would find himself fighting to
give other parentless children the gift he so cherished and respected.
While Wendy's continued to grow and prosper, Dave knew that he wanted
to be more than just a successful businessman. Dave found that he could
best give back by using his success, his passion, and his familiar
friendly face to raise public awareness about that issue so close to
his heart.
His mission took shape in 1990 when President George Bush asked Dave
to act as a spokesperson on a new initiative called Adoption Works for
Everyone. Dave embraced this honor with enthusiasm and grace, and then
he rolled up his sleeves and went to work.
Throughout the next decade, Dave continued his tireless advocacy for
children everywhere, and I am proud to have worked shoulder to shoulder
with him on many initiatives. He created the Dave Thomas Foundation for
Adoption, whose vision it is to see that every child has a permanent
home and a loving family.
Through the foundation, Dave hoped to ease the many barriers families
so often face when trying to adopt. By making adoption easier and more
affordable, fewer children are now trapped in the endless foster care
system, and more children will grow up with brothers and sisters and
moms and dads who love them.
Dave once said, ``If I can get just one child a home, it would be
better than selling 1 million hamburgers.'' Oh, how like Dave.
We will remember Dave for his humility and kindness, for his
compassion and warmth, and for his dedication to children everywhere
who are awaiting a loving family to take them home.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution honoring
a dear friend and a champion for children, Dave Thomas.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, at a time when we are questioning corporate leadership
and corporate responsibility, it is refreshing to know that a man such
as Dave Thomas lived; and because of his life and his legacy, every
time a child finds a warm inviting home in which to live and grow up
with the safety and security of knowing that they are part of a family,
we will remember the legacy of this great American.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to yield 7 minutes
to the distinguished gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Burton), the chairman
of the Committee on Government Reform, but, more importantly, at this
moment a very close friend of Dave Thomas.
Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, let me start off by thanking the
gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Pryce) for introducing this resolution.
Mr. Speaker, Dave Thomas was one of the finest men that I ever knew.
Dave was a personal friend of mine. I stayed with him many times when I
was in Florida. We played golf together. He loved to play golf.
Although he was not the greatest golfer in the world, he was very
enthusiastic about it.
The things I want to talk about today are the things I found out
about Dave on a personal level. The gentlewoman from Ohio covered so
much of his life very, very well.
Let me just say Dave really was an American success story. When he
was about 15 years old, he pretty much was on his own in Fort Wayne,
Indiana. He dropped out of school. His real parents he never knew. He
was adopted by a husband and wife. His adoptive mother died when he was
about 12 years old. His father, because he had to move around for jobs,
had to pretty much leave Dave in Fort Wayne when he was 15.
Dave, I believe, stayed at the YMCA and worked as a busboy and worked
in a restaurant there. After he became manager of the restaurant, as
time went by he was asked if he would like to come to Columbus, Ohio,
and take over four Kentucky Fried Chicken franchises for somebody who
was about to go bankrupt. The fellow told him if you come over here and
work with us, in 3 or 4 years we will either be bankrupt or you will
own half of the restaurants.
Dave was such a natural at this business and worked so hard that,
after a time, he sold his interest in those four Kentucky Fried Chicken
franchises for $1.5 million and became involved, as I understand it,
with Arthur Treacher's
[[Page H90]]
Fish and Chips and made some more money and decided to retire at a very
young age.
But he wanted one good hamburger restaurant. He said there was not a
really good hamburger restaurant that he knew of, so he started one and
named it after his daughter, Wendy, in Columbus, Ohio.
The rest is history. As you know, that one restaurant, he only wanted
one, ended up being 6,000 restaurants, many of which he owned and his
corporation owned, and many franchised out to others. Dave became one
of the most successful businessmen in America, and he was a high school
dropout.
He owned two jet planes, he had golf courses, he had radio stations,
he had everything. He was just an amazing story. In fact, he won the
Horatio Alger Award, which, of course, goes to people who have really
been a success and realized the American dream. But not only that, he
was very concerned about children, as the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms.
Pryce) talked about.
When he was a young boy, he did not have a family. He was on his own.
He knew how important and how valuable family relationships are to
kids, so he worked and spent his whole life trying to make sure that
children who did not have parents who were in foster homes got loving
parents.
In his restaurants, if you looked at the little pads they put out for
people to eat their food off of, all of them told about how you could
adopt a child and what needed to be done. He even came to the
gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Pryce) and me and worked very hard to get an
adoptive stamp passed by the Congress and by the Postal Service and the
Postal Stamp Commission that depicted children and talked about
adoption so that some of the funds raised from those stamps could go to
help children get adopted and get into loving homes.
He even started a golf tournament called the Wendy's Three Tour
Challenge, where you had the LPGA, the PGA, and Senior PGA play once a
year with a series of teams; and all the proceeds from that tournament
went to adoption of children, to his adoption foundation.
He was truly a wonderful, wonderful man. His wife, Lorraine, was
always very supportive. I got to know her very well. She is a wonderful
lady; and, Lorraine, if you happen to be watching today, my sympathy
goes out to you and your children. We are all going to miss Dave. He
was a wonderful, wonderful man.
A little story, an aside: I was playing golf one day down at Adios,
which is a golf course that he helped found with a man named Ed
Tutweiler, down in Florida; and Dave was telling me one day, he said,
``You know, they want me to do TV commercials, and I don't know if I
can do those.'' I said, ``Dave, I think you would do a good job.'' I
really did not know, but I was trying to give him encouragement. And he
became one of the best spokesmen in America for his business.
Everybody in this country knew Dave Thomas. As a matter of fact, he
would come to Indianapolis; he came up there to visit a number of times
on a speaking engagement. He came to Indianapolis one time, and we were
sitting having dinner, when he came up, we always had dinner together,
and two ladies came over from my congressional district.
They came over to talk to Dave Thomas and he said, ``Do you know your
Congressman?'' They said no, and he introduced my constituents to me.
That is how well known he was. He was so well known that people knew
him, but they did not even know their own Congressman. He was just an
extraordinary man.
I hope that my statements today tell Lorraine and the family and all
the people that loved him who are over there in Dublin, Ohio, at the
Wendy's headquarters how very much I really loved this guy. What you
saw was what you got. When you saw him on TV, he was a lovable guy; and
if you got to know him, as I knew him, you knew he was a lovable guy,
and he really cared about his fellow man, especially children who did
not have parents. The world is going to be a far less place for all of
us now that he is gone. It was a far better place for all of us as long
as he was here.
The thing that was interesting about Dave is not only was he
concerned about adoption, but he was concerned about sending a message
to kids that they ought to get a good education. When he was in his
sixties, he went back and got his GED; not because he needed it, but
because he wanted to set an example for children to get a high school
education.
A high school down in Florida where he lived adopted him and had Dave
and his wife come as the king and queen of their graduating class at
their prom. Dave went with his tuxedo. Here he was, 60-some years old,
and he and his wife were the king and queen of the prom. And do you
know what? That class voted him the most likely to succeed, and I think
it was a good choice.
He was a wonderful man. Dave, I hope you are up there watching us. We
love you and we miss you. I am sure that there is a good place in
heaven for you.
Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to yield 1 minute
to my neighbor, the distinguished gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Tiberi),
another friend of Dave Thomas.
Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague for
introducing this resolution. Dave was a special person, and it is a
privilege for me to have known Dave and to speak on this resolution
today.
{time} 1430
Much has already been said by the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Pryce)
and others, and the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Burton). Dave received
so many awards, too many to mention today. He established the Dave
Thomas Foundation for Adoption, which is in central Ohio. He did so
much not only for our country and our State, but certainly our
community in Columbus, Ohio.
Dave was a man that I got to know when I was in the State
legislature. He certainly did many things that people are not even
aware of. But the Dave that we meet on TV is the Dave we meet in
person. He is one and the same, a very simple man.
One of his highlights, as the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Burton)
said, was after 45 years of leaving high school, he received and earned
his GED certificate from a high school in Florida, securing him in his
mind as a role model for students. But we all know that Dave was a role
model. He will be missed. He leaves a long legacy. He is a gentle giant
and a great American.
Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield 3 minutes
to the gentlewoman from Maryland (Mrs. Morella), my distinguished
colleague.
Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me
this time. I certainly do rise in recognition of David Thomas and
support this resolution honoring his life.
When he passed away on January 8, the world lost a great advocate for
children. While so many know him as a dedicated businessman, his
greatest accomplishment to many of us was the difference he made in the
lives of so many vulnerable children. I thank the gentlewoman from Ohio
for introducing this resolution. She indeed knows full well the values
of adoption. I as a parent who, with my husband, have raised 9
children, 6 who were the children of my late sister, have become a
great advocate for Dave Thomas and for the story and the message that
he told that reached millions.
With his corporate relationships, he encouraged the practice of
adoption incentives through employee benefits plans. Approximately
50,000 children are adopted nationwide each year. According to the
State Department's annual report, the number of international adoptions
is steadily increasing every year. According to Adoptions Forever, an
adoption agency in Maryland, the average cost of adoption for an
international orphan ranges up to $30,000, while a domestic adoption
can range up to $12,000. Easing the burden of this cost can make all
the difference for families who are considering adoption, and Dave
Thomas worked tirelessly to minimize these barriers to helping children
in need.
Almost 10 years ago, he founded the Dave Thomas Foundation for
Adoption, which continues to serve as the voice for the more than
134,000 children in the public welfare system who are awaiting
permanent homes. His foundation also concentrates on children who may
be harder to place, older kids,
[[Page H91]]
those in sibling groups, minority children, or those with physical or
mental handicaps.
Dave Thomas will be missed in Congress as well. His testimony on
adoption tax credits, adoption legislation, and his advocacy for the
creation of the adoption stamp issued by the U.S. Postal Service in May
of 2000 has been key in raising necessary awareness and support.
Children have lost a hero in Dave Thomas, but his legacy will live on
through his foundation, continuing the mission of ensuring every child
has a permanent and loving home.
Children in need are the responsibility of us all. We owe a great
deal to Dave Thomas for his dedication to that message. I offer my
condolences to his family and I certainly support this resolution, and
I encourage my colleagues to do so. Again, I thank the gentlewoman from
Ohio (Ms. Pryce) for introducing it, and certainly the gentleman from
Illinois (Mr. Davis) for handling it on the Democratic side, and the
gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Burton), and the gentleman from California
(Mr. Waxman) for having this come out at this time.
Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
In closing, I would like to thank the gentleman from Florida (Mr.
Weldon), for giving me the opportunity to express my admiration for
this extraordinary man. I also want to thank the gentleman from
Illinois (Mr. Davis) for joining me in honoring Dave's life.
We have lost a good friend, a good friend to this country, a good
friend to each of us, and a good friend to so many children waiting for
a home. While we mourn his loss, we should feel proud of his
accomplishments and empowered by his mission. As a society, we can
remember Dave by working towards increasing public awareness of the
need for adoption. As Members of Congress, we can continue to look for
ways to cut through the red tape that often stands in the way of
encouraging families to even consider adoption, and as individuals, we
can recognize and appreciate the power of one man's determination to
make a difference.
Dave once reminded us that children who do not have families are not
somebody else's responsibility, they are our responsibility. If we want
to make a difference in a child's life, this is where we must start.
Dave's charisma, passion, and dedication help lead us on our way. It is
now up to each of us to carry on Dave's mission and to continue
fighting for these kids.
Dave, you singlehandedly made this world a better place. We will miss
you.
Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my strong support for
this Resolution which recognizes Rex David ``Dave'' Thomas as one of
the hardest working advocates for child adoption in our great nation.
Adopted shortly after his birth in 1932, Dave went on to great
commercial success after founding Wendy's Old-Fashioned Hamburgers in
Columbus, Ohio, in 1969. In promoting Wendy's, Dave became a national
figure representing a friendly face, great food, and a kind sense of
humor. On a personal note, I would be remiss were I not to mention that
my staff and I are particularly grateful to Dave for the advent of the
Wendy's Frosty. Much more importantly, however, Dave used his financial
success to promote and advance the cause of child adoption. It is for
that reason that we honor Dave today.
In 1992, Dave established the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption to
work with national adoption organizations to promote awareness and to
facilitate child adoption. From 1990 until 2000, Dave was the national
spokesman for a number of White House adoption and foster-care
initiatives. He was a most deserving recipient of the distinguished
Angel in Adoption Award from the Congressional Coalition on Adoption,
and the Social Awareness Award from the U.S. Postal Service.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that we honor Dave today with this
Resolution, but it is my belief that we can do Dave no greater honor
than by keeping his legacy alive as we in Congress press on towards the
common goal we shared with Dave: making sure that every child has the
opportunity to grow up in a safe home with loving parents.
My thoughts and prayers are with Dave's family.
Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to a great
American, Dave Thomas, who passed away at the age of 69 on January 8,
2002. I am honored to be an original cosponsor of this resolution that
honors his life and expresses the deepest condolences of the House of
Representatives to his family on his death.
I had the privilege of knowing, working with and, in fact,
representing Dave Thomas in Congress. But most importantly, I had the
honor of calling Dave my friend.
Dave Thomas was the epitome of the American success story. He worked
his way from humble roots to be an icon of business achievement. What I
admired and respected most about Dave was what he did with his success.
Inspired by his own experiences as an adopted child, he poured his
heart and his influence into helping children find families. A giant in
the arena of adoption, Dave gave a voice to thousands of children
looking for loving homes through his Foundation for Adoption and his
contributions to the Dave Thomas Center for Adoption Law at Capital
University.
As the former Chairman of the Human Resources Subcommittee, I had the
honor of having Dave testify before my panel on two occasions. Dave was
both an advocate and an authority on adoption, whose input was
invaluable as I drafted legislation to improve adoption policies. He
was a pioneer in developing adoption friendly corporate practices,
giving his employees who adopted children special benefits.
I join his family, the House of Representatives and thousands of
children around America who are waiting to be adopted, to honor the
life of this great man.
Mr. HOBSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution, and
recognize the accomplishments and life of Dave Thomas.
Throughout his life, Dave Thomas continually displayed the qualities
and work ethic that exemplified the American dream. Whether with his
family, friends, or his work, Dave Thomas always sought to improve the
way of life for those around him. Having been adopted at a young age,
Dave Thomas devoted much of his life to raising awareness and creating
better opportunities for adopted children everywhere.
As a fellow restaurateur and small businessman, I can certainly
appreciate the devotion and hard work necessary to turn the first
Wendy's Old Fashion Hamburgers in downtown Columbus, OH, into something
people worldwide know and love. Behind his business expertise and a
promotional campaign driven by his warm smile, Wendy's has become a
standard to which all other restaurants must be compared.
As I travel around Ohio, the birthplace and home of the Wendy's
tradition, I will be constantly reminded of just how many lives Dave
Thomas has actually touched. Whether I am visiting one of the several
Wendy's locations within Ohio's Seventh Congressional District, or
affixing an Adoption Awareness stamp on an envelope, Dave Thomas will
be in my thoughts and will be missed dearly.
Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my
strong support for the resolution before us today, which recognizes the
valuable contributions of Wendy's Founder, R. David Thomas.
Born in 1932 in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Dave Thomas never knew his
birth parents, and was adopted when he was six weeks young. One of
Dave's most cherished childhood memories was eating out at restaurants.
Thus, as a young man, he committed himself to opening up his own
restaurant where families could enjoy eating and spending time
together. On November 15, 1969, Dave Thomas founded Wendy's Old-
Fashioned Hamburgers in Columbus, Ohio, and transformed it into one of
the most successful food franchises in the country.
Mr. Thomas was much more than a successful businessman, however. He
never forgot his roots, and he used his financial success to promote
and advocate the cause of adoption. In 1990, Former President George H.
W. Bush asked Mr. Thomas to be a spokesperson for his administration's
adoption initiative, ``Adoption Works. . .For Everyone.'' Mr. Thomas
gracefully accepted the challenge, and began to speak out and encourage
people to consider adoption. The Wendy's corporation championed
adoption as its national charitable cause, while taking a corporate
leadership role in advancing the cause of adoption by encouraging other
corporations to offer family leave and adoption benefits to employees
who welcomed and adopted a child into their family.
In conjunction with National Adoption Month every November, over
6,000 Wendy's North American restaurants undertake an aggressive
advertising campaign advocating the cause of adoption. These widely
successful adoption efforts, such as public service announcements tray-
liners an posters account for approximately 40 percent of all calls
taken at the National Adoption Center's toll free number (1-800-TO-
ADOPT).
Dave's personal contributions of time, money and initiative to the
cause of adoption have been equally successful. Dave donated all of the
proceeds from his 1991 autobiography Dave's Way and his 1995 book Well
Done! to the foundation.
[[Page H92]]
Then in 1992, Mr. Thomas founded The Dave Thomas Foundation for
Adoption, a nonprofit organization that supports over 134,000 children
in America's foster care system waiting for permanent and loving homes.
Virtually every well-conducted social research study that has
examined the impact of adoption on a child concludes that adoption is
far more preferable than state custody. The adoption of a child into a
traditional two-parent, man and woman family, has profoundly positive
social benefits for the child and family as well as for our society.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all members of Congress to support the Dave
Thomas Resolution. America has lost an important champion for children
with the death of Dave Thomas. It is fitting and appropriate that we
honor his good deeds today. We all hope and pray that his good work
will continue on, despite his passing.
Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Walden). The question is on the motion
offered by the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Weldon) that the House
suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 336.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor
thereof) the rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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