[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 7827]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF HOMES AND SERVICES FOR THE AGING 2010 
                       PHILANTHROPIST OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. LAMAR SMITH

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 11, 2010

  Mr. SMITH of Texas. Madam Speaker, today I'd like to honor my 
constituent, Mr. Glenn Biggs, a great American and Texan, who has been 
selected by the Texas Association of Homes and Services for the Aging 
as the 2010 Philanthropist of the Year.
  Mr. Biggs, born in a small West Texas town in the depths of the Great 
Depression, has used his knowledge and experience as a banker and 
business leader to guide Morningside Ministries in San Antonio in 
establishing an innovative, progressive program, mmLearn.org. It 
delivers high quality training through online videos to caregivers not 
only in San Antonio, but also to communities as large as New York City 
and as small as Homer, Alaska.
  Through online training, geriatric physicians can be in the homes and 
offices of health professionals, family caregivers, pastoral care 
providers and older adults who have internet connectivity. In a recent 
webcast, Dr. Thomas Weiss, a geriatric psychiatrist with a specialty in 
addiction, had a presentation about alcoholism and the elderly.
  Most would never have an opportunity to benefit from Dr. Weiss' 
expertise, but 382 viewers joined the webcast and interacted by 
providing online comments and questions. The webcast is now available 
on demand and will continue to be a training resource. Mr. Biggs' 
vision, commitment and dedication have made this level of service 
possible.
  Mr. Biggs' philanthropy and leadership are not only recognized in the 
field of aging, but benefit many other worthy causes. The San Antonio 
Business Journal has written of Mr. Biggs: ``. . . (This) gentle giant 
with a booming voice spends countless hours trying to get wealthy South 
Texans to give to causes which he believes are important. Time after 
time, he is called upon to advise college presidents and board chairmen 
who are seeking access to the network of former politicians and 
business millionaires who are willing to part with their fortunes for 
the right cause.''
  Numerous organizations and countless individuals have benefitted from 
the philanthropic leadership of Glenn Biggs. He is preparing and 
inspiring generations to step forward and become the philanthropists 
for decades to come. Glenn Biggs sets an example for all of us to 
follow. And I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring this great 
man.

                          ____________________