[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 15 (Thursday, January 24, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E84]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING MICHAEL ``BIG MIKE'' PHILLIPS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SUSAN A. DAVIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 24, 2019

  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, I rise with great admiration 
to honor the efforts of a humble hero in San Diego and our LGBTQ 
community, Michael ``Big Mike'' Phillips.
  Big Mike may have received his namesake due to his tall stature, but 
there is nothing bigger about him than his enormous heart. Those who 
have had the pleasure to cross paths with Big Mike know him as a warm, 
empathetic, and gregarious soul, dedicated to improving the lives of 
others. He has a unique way of welcoming total strangers and making 
them feel included, loved, and a part of our community.
  Throughout over four decades working in all aspects of the 
hospitality industry, Big Mike has come to be an expert in the art of 
serving others. Whether he's serving food and beverages to friends or 
new friends, hosting a charitable event, or photographing history in 
the making, his main concern is always the happiness and fulfillment of 
the people around him.
  Big Mike's selflessness may be what helps to make him such a talented 
photographer. When he looks through a lens, his focus remains solely on 
the people and the moment. He has captured local historic LGBTQ events, 
multiple LGBTQ Marches on Washington, and even photographed four living 
U.S. Presidents and First Ladies at the opening of the Clinton Library.
  In all endeavors, Big Mike gives one hundred percent of his head and 
his heart. He has contributed to so many charitable organizations that 
I could not possibly list them all. When Special Delivery San Diego, a 
nonprofit that provides meals to individuals living with HIV/AIDS, was 
in need of funding, he inspired 128 other bartenders to enroll in an 
effort to donate to the program. He has the rare ability to inspire 
others to be a part of something greater than themselves. Using this 
skill, Big Mike helped to found Ordinary Miracles and The Rob Benzon 
Foundation, two non-profits with the mission of welcoming individuals 
to add their own light to the world that when joined together, 
illuminates and eases the needs of the abused, sick, and hungry.
  When leaders in our community search for a sense of direction and 
initiative, they often look no further than Big Mike--which can explain 
why he has been appointed to serve on community advisory boards under 
almost every single mayor in recent San Diego history.
  Though he has lived an accomplished life, Big Mike is quick to give 
credit to his caring adoptive parents, his loyal friends, and all who 
have supported him along the way. It is exceptional to find a person 
who has carried out their career and lived their life almost entirely 
for the benefit of others, and I can honestly say that Big Mike is one 
of them.
  Even on his birthday, he cannot help but use the opportunity to make 
the world a better place to live. Every year, Big Mike hosts his 
Birthday Fundraiser to boost awareness and support for various non-
profit organizations and invaluable local resources.
  On the 20th Anniversary of his first Birthday Fundraiser, I commend 
Michael ``Big Mike'' Phillips for his continuous and substantial 
efforts to lend love, hope, and a helping hand to all in need. I extend 
my congratulations and best wishes to him for a successful event and a 
wonderful year ahead.
  Though Mike was born in Germany, and raised in Texas, I am so pleased 
that he adopted San Diego as his home. San Diego is an even finer place 
to live because Big Mike was born.

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