[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 8 (Thursday, January 20, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E89-E90]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN HONOR OF ROBERT C. MACAULEY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. HIMES

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 20, 2011

  Mr. HIMES. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the recent passing of a 
constituent, humanitarian, and friend, Robert C., Bob, Macauley, who 
recently passed away of natural causes at the age of 87.
  In addition to being a beloved husband and father, Bob Macauley was a 
tremendous activist and patron. As a veteran, businessman, and 
philanthropist, Bob dedicated his life to helping others.
  His first ventures into philanthropy began during the Vietnam war, 
with the founding of the Shoeshine Boys Foundation to support orphaned 
Vietnamese children. In 1975, he mortgaged his home to charter the 
first jet of what became known as Operation Babylift,

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rescuing babies injured in a plane crash as Saigon fell. Bob then 
became involved in the Covenant House, which grew with his support and 
guidance from a small outpost in New York City to one of the largest 
privately funded childcare agencies in the U.S.
  However, it was after meeting with Pope John Paul II that Bob fully 
realized the potential of his efforts. After raising $1.5 million in 
aid for Poland at the Pope's request, Bob recognized that what he had 
done for Poland, he could do for people in need worldwide. This effort 
became AmeriCares, a humanitarian organization that has delivered more 
than $10 billion in medicines, medical supplies, and aid around the 
world and across the United States. Bob served as CEO of the 
organization until 2002, and as chairman until his death.
  Mr. Macauley has been widely recognized for his philanthropic 
endeavors. He was the recipient of many humanitarian awards, including 
the President's Volunteer Action Award, the Cross of Grand Officer of 
the Order of Malta, the Caring Award, the Albert Schweitzer 
Humanitarian Award, the FREDDIE Award, and the Jefferson Award for 
Lifetime Achievement, and has received honorary doctorates from 
Fairfield University, Siena College, Saint Michael's College, and Saint 
Lawrence University. He has been featured by ABC News as ``Person of 
the Week,'' and has been the subject of numerous profiles by major 
media outlets such as NBC Today and People magazine. His biography, 
written by Bill Halamandaris, is entitled ``His Name is Today.''
  Bob's activism and generosity to the global community should remind 
us all of what the actions of one person can do. While he did not work 
alone, we all have him to thank for making the world a better place. 
His charity should be admired and his citizenship should serve as a 
model for us all.

                          ____________________