[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 177 (Friday, October 16, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E965]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE LIFE OF CHRISTEL DEHAAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SUSAN W. BROOKS

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 16, 2020

  Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life 
and legacy of Hoosier philanthropist, businesswoman and education 
advocate Christel DeHaan. After building the successful Resort 
Condominium International business, DeHaan spent the remainder of her 
years dedicated to philanthropy and education of children around the 
world. The City of Indianapolis, the State of Indiana and the 
philanthropy world recently lost a brilliant and generous woman on June 
6, 2020.
  Christel was born in Nordlingen Germany in 1942 to Anna and Adolf 
Stark. Her father, a German soldier, was killed during World War II. 
She left home at age 16 to become a governess in the United Kingdom. 
Four years later, she immigrated to the United States and eventually 
settled in Indiana. In 1974, she co-founded Resort Condominium 
International (RCI), a pioneering timeshare company, which became a 
leading company in the multi-billion-dollar industry. She co-led the 
business until 1987 when she bought 100 percent of RCI for $67.5 
million. She then expanded the business to over 4,000 employees until 
it was sold in 1996 for $625 million.
  DeHaan then began devoting her life to philanthropy and education by 
founding Christel House International in 1998. As founder and board 
chair, her mission was to better the lives of impoverished children 
through education, healthcare and other initiatives. Today, Christel 
House serves nearly 6,000 students and graduates worldwide through 
schools in India, Jamaica, Mexico, South Africa and the United States.
  Her vision and dedication to improving the lives of children is a 
testament to the kind heart that she had. The philosophy that drives 
Christel House International is ``giving kids a hand-up, not a hand-
out.'' Throughout her lifetime, she generously donated more than $220 
million of her own money to various charities. She was a generous 
advocate for the fine arts in Central Indiana, leading to the fine arts 
center at the University of Indianapolis being named ``The Christel 
DeHaan Fine Arts Center.''
  DeHaan was featured on Forbes' list of America's Self-Made Women for 
the past five years, most recently with a net worth estimated at $950 
million. She was a shining example for girls all over the world of a 
``self-made woman.'' For this and many reasons, she was honored with 
three honorary doctorate degrees from Marian University, the University 
of Indianapolis and the University of Nottingham in England.
  Christel DeHaan was a leader, a philanthropist and an inspiration for 
so many, including me. Her generosity, commitment and focus was rare 
and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her. I extend my deepest 
sympathy to those who survive including her older sister, three 
children, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and 
nephews. Though Christel is gone, I know that her legacy will live on 
for generations through Christel House International and will continue 
to change lives around the world.

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