[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 34 (Thursday, March 16, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E385]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING OWEN GRAY AND BIG O'S SEAFOOD GRILL FOR RECEIVING THE 
                     2005 RESTAURANT NEIGHBOR AWARD

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                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 16, 2006

  Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I 
rise to honor Mr. Owen Gray, owner of Big O's Seafood Grill in Gulf 
Shores, Alabama, on the occasion of receiving the National Restaurant 
Association's 2005 Restaurant Neighbor Award.
  Owen is a vital member of the Gulf Shores community. Following the 
devastation of Hurricane Ivan in 2004, Owen's restaurant, Big O's 
Seafood Grill, was one of the few restaurants in the area capable of 
continuing business. Over a two-week period, Owen, with the help of his 
manager, sister and fiance, was able to provide more than 25,000 meals 
to relief workers. Working on just a generator with no power, gas, or 
water, he fed the relief workers, including state troopers and the 
National Guard, three meals a day! Owen, his employees, and volunteers 
worked 12- to 14-hour days providing these meals. Soon other 
restaurants that were too damaged to serve at their locations brought 
over food for Big O's to serve.
  The National Restaurant Association's Restaurant Neighbor Award was 
designed to raise awareness of charitable giving like Owen's and honor 
restaurateurs from across the country for outstanding community 
service.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to offer my congratulations, as well, to 
Owen Gray and Big O's Seafood Grill for receiving the National 
Restaurant Association's 2005 Restaurant Neighbor Award. I know his 
family, his many friends, his employees, and especially his loyal 
customers join with me in praising his accomplishments and good deeds.

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