[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 66 (Friday, May 13, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E901]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING STEWART'S SHOPS AND THE DAKE FAMILY

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CHRISTOPHER P. GIBSON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 13, 2011

  Mr. GIBSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the people in New 
York's 20th District to express our sincere appreciation for the 
continued hard work, dedication, and contributions made to our 
communities by Stewart's Shops and the Dake Family.
  Beginning in 1921, Percy and Charles V. Dake began making Dake's 
Delicious ice cream in Greenfield, NY. They continued to expand their 
operations into and around Greenfield and Saratoga Springs until 1945, 
when they bought Donald Stewart's dairy and ice cream shop on Route 50 
in Ballston Spa, renaming it Stewart's Shop in order to commemorate the 
former owner. Adding on brothers Charles S. and William, this family-
run operation continued to grow through the expansion of services and a 
strong community presence, including donating five percent of its 
annual revenue to local not-for-profits.
  This generous and voluntary donation has brought over $2.25 million 
to not-for-profits in our area, in addition to the organization's 
contribution of over $15 million to an employee profit sharing plan and 
$2 million in scholarship assistance to family members of employees 
through the ``Make Your Own Scholarship'' program. Overall, this 
tremendous organization has had over $1 billion in community sales, 
provides approximately 4,000 jobs in 328 convenience stores in New York 
and Vermont, and works closely with local governments and organizations 
to serve my constituents inside and out of their stores.
  For these reasons, I am happy to stand today in recognition of the 
Dake Family as they receive the C. Jordan Vail Spirit of Philanthropy 
Award, given at the Celebration of Philanthropy Luncheon in Albany, NY 
on May 24, 2011. This family, and the business they have built over the 
last ninety years, are a model of private enterprise and they have 
certainly earned this award. I am honored to be given the opportunity 
to commemorate their dedication to our community and the economic 
contributions they provide.

                          ____________________