[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5407]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                         TRIBUTE TO STEVE GIBBS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ROB PORTMAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 3, 2001

  Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Steve Gibbs, 
a dear friend and community leader who will be recognized on April 21, 
2001 by the FreeStore/FoodBank for 26 years of service with the 
organization.
  The FreeStore/FoodBank was founded in Cincinnati in 1971. Steve has 
been a vital part of the organization as President and CEO nearly since 
its inception 30 years ago. Thanks to his dedication and hard work, the 
FreeStore/FoodBank has blossomed from a small, one-man operation into a 
thriving enterprise that literally has helped millions of people 
throughout Cincinnati, northern Kentucky and southeastern Indiana.
  The mission of the FreeStore/FoodBank is ``to provide food, products 
and services for those in need, and to further their self-reliance.'' 
As one of the largest foodbanks in Ohio, it helps to feed nearly 
300,000 people in our area each year. It also provides clothes and 
housing and employment assistance to the needy, and fills the pantry 
shelves of over 550 agencies, soup kitchens and shelters with donated 
food. Last year, it distributed close to 9 million pounds of donated 
and salvaged food, valued at more than $22 million.
  Also serving as President of the Ohio Association of Second Harvest 
Foodbanks, Steve's vision and ability to link sometimes unlikely 
partners also has helped to launch a number of innovative programs that 
continue to serve the needs of our community. One such partnership 
includes a joint venture between the FreeStore/FoodBank and the 
University of Cincinnati's Health Resource Center to provide medical 
care to those who cannot afford it. Among other initiatives, he also 
established a relationship with Goodwill Industries to help increase 
donations.
  Thanks to Steve's efforts, the FreeStore/FoodBank is often recognized 
as one of Cincinnati's most outstanding charitable organizations. All 
of us in the Cincinnati area thank Steve for his dedication to 
improving the lives of others.

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