[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 147 (Tuesday, September 16, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1800]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE RARE FOUNDATION

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                          HON. JOE KNOLLENBERG

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 16, 2008

  Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Madam Speaker, I want to recognize the RARE 
Foundation in Troy, Michigan as they celebrate their 10th Anniversary 
on September 16, 2008. The foundation's work for Michigan's youth has 
changed lives and inspired future generations of leaders.
  The RARE Foundation was founded in 1998 by Gilbert Cox, Jr. with the 
mission to inspire Michigan's youth to see possibilities through the 
real-world examples of everyday heroes. RARE highlights the lives and 
life lessons of everyday people in the workplace who, through 
extraordinary commitment, integrity, selflessness, and courage, are 
changing lives and inspiring others. In addition, the foundation 
provides a forum for these extraordinary individuals to reach out to 
Michigan's youth and teach, by example, their compelling lessons for 
life's venture.
   Throughout the years, the foundation's programs have engaged young 
people in the process of discussion, discovery, and writing about 
everyday heroes in their communities to help them see possibilities and 
make the connection between fulfilling careers and meaningful lives. 
They have done so by providing grants for teachers and mentoring 
programs to reinforce character education and strengthen the basic 
curriculum at a time of severe program, cutback and budget reductions 
in our schools. The foundation has also started an At-Risk Community 
Outreach program in collaboration with educational, business, 
community, and mentoring organizations designed to bring certainty of 
opportunity to urban youth.
  At a time when material things have replaced character as the 
currency for measuring success, the RARE Foundation has stepped in to 
reinforce the idea strong morals and character are imperative to 
achievement. In fact, their programs have proven to be so successful 
that they should serve as a model to be followed by other communities.
   Madam Speaker, the RARE Foundation continues to educate and enrich 
the lives of young people in Michigan. I wish to congratulate them and 
the many volunteers on their 10th Anniversary and hope for many years 
of prosperity.

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