[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 27 (Tuesday, March 12, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E326]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  PAYING TRIBUTE TO CHARLIE GALLAGHER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 12, 2002

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor to recognize an 
extraordinary man whose kindness and good deeds embody the spirit of 
Colorado, and this nation. Charlie Gallagher is a pillar of the Denver, 
Colorado community, but the impact of his contributions reaches beyond 
the city to touch the entire state. In recognition of Charlie's many 
accomplishments and philanthropic generosity, the Ancient Order of 
Hibernians chose him as the 2002 Irish Person of the Year. This is a 
distinguished achievement that recognizes the dedication and commitment 
of an individual to his or her community. As Charlie celebrates this 
achievement, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge his 
kindly spirit before this body of Congress.
  Charlie Gallagher has overcome numerous obstacles in his life and has 
used his experience to help others overcome similar circumstances. He 
started out in an inner-city Irish neighborhood in Toledo, Ohio, living 
in a house where ten family members shared one bathroom and three 
bedrooms. The grandson of Irish immigrants, Charlie's family instilled 
in him the values of education, hard work and determination. It is this 
foundation which Charlie used to found Gallagher Enterprises LC, an 
extraordinarily successful private equity firm in Colorado. Like many 
Americans, Charlie rose from hardship to prosperity, but has remained 
true to his roots. He has adopted the motto, ``if you've been blessed 
and if you've been lucky, you gotta give back''. He has lived his life 
accordingly.
  Charlie funded the establishment of several buildings and additions 
for many educational institutions, ranging from grade school to higher 
education institutions, in his home state of Ohio. For almost twelve 
years, he has supported over 100 students from underprivileged 
backgrounds by providing them with full tuition, room and board. 
Beginning this year, Charlie has pledged to fully fund 100 students at 
Denver's Metro State College for five years. In addition to his 
philanthropic contributions, Charlie continues to serve his community 
as a board member of the Metropolitan State College of Denver 
Foundation, Denver Area Council of Boy Scouts of America, the Catholic 
Foundation for the Archdiocese of Denver and the National Jewish 
Medical & Research Center. He is a Trustee of the Irish Community 
Center and the Vice Chairman of the Denver Art Museum. In addition, he 
helped to raise $50 million for the art museum and was instrumental in 
securing city bonding for the museum's expansion. To continue his 
generous support of the community, Charlie and his family frequently 
donate their time, money, and energy through the Gallagher Family 
Foundation of the Denver Foundation. This organization gives generously 
to numerous causes every year and serves as a model for philanthropic 
foundations throughout the nation.
  Mr. Speaker, Charlie Gallagher is an extraordinary individual and it 
is my pleasure to bring forth his accomplishments and generosity before 
this body of Congress, and this nation. Charlie's life serves as an 
example for anyone who has ever faced and overcome adversity in their 
life. Charlie, thank you for all you have done for the State of 
Colorado and good luck in your future endeavors.

                          ____________________