[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 69 (Thursday, May 7, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S2729]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING CROWNS 4 KIDS

 Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, many of our Nation's successful 
small businesses started as an idea that took root from big dreams and 
even bigger imaginations. This week's Small Business of the Week, 
Crowns 4 Kids of Madisonville, LA, is an excellent example of how our 
next generation of Louisianians are dreaming big and influencing the 
world around them.
  Earlier this year when Harlan Jackson Adams began painting acrylic 
pictures of crowns for his mother, Erica Adams, he had no idea how far 
his fun, quirky canvases would go. Word quickly spread across his 
mother's social media accounts that her talented son had found a new 
hobby. Friends and family began requesting crown paintings of their 
own, and within 2 weeks, young Harlan had over 200 orders to fill.
  Demand for Adam's simple, elegant crowns grew so much among friends 
and family that the young entrepreneur decided to share his success 
with kids in need. Erica was astonished when her 7-year-old proclaimed 
that he wanted to donate his profits to the cancer center at Children's 
Hospital New Orleans. Unaware that Harlan knew about or understood what 
cancer is, Erica was overwhelmingly proud of her son's humility and 
generosity when he explained that two kids he knew were battling cancer 
and he wanted to help. Harlan is now an honorary member of the 
Distributive Education Clubs of America, a youth entrepreneurship 
organization, and plans to continue his charitable work.
  When our young folks take the initiative to help others in the 
capacity that young Harlan has, we owe them our utmost respect and 
recognition. It is my great honor to recognize Harlan Jackson Adams and 
Crowns 4 Kids as Small Business of the Week. Thank you for inspiring 
both kids and adults to dream big and give generously.

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