[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 154 (Thursday, November 4, 1999)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2266] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] CONGRATULATING KEITH GIBSON, OF SIKESTON, MISSOURI, ON HIS RECOGNITION BY THE ``DAUGHTERS OF SUNSET'' ______ HON. JO ANN EMERSON of missouri in the house of representatives Thursday, November 4, 1999 Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, November 13, 1999, Keith Gibson is being honored by the Sikeston, MO ``Daughters of Sunset'' at their 15th Annual Recognition Program. I would like to extend my congratulations to Keith who is being recognized on this day for his community involvement. Keith was born in Chicago, IL. He is the son of Samuel and Annette Gibson of Sikeston, MO and Barbara and Gerald Nathan of St. Louis, MO. He is the 1974 graduate of McKinley High School in St. Louis, MO. On Thanksgiving Day in 1986, Keith moved to Sikeston, MO. He is the father of two sons, Keith Jr. and Tevin, and he has been employed with Sikeston Public Schools as a bus driver since February 1990. One day, Keith had an idea to have a simple picnic for his boys and their friends. His idea became so popular that it became an annual event which is now called ``Gibson's Day in the Park.'' In 1994, Keith started with a picnic for 15 to 20 kids. Over the years, as many as 135 kids take part in the ``Gibson Day in the Park''--and Keith expects more kids to participate next year. Keith asks the ``Gibson Day'' participants to bring hot dogs, juice, cookies and/or chips depending on the size of the family. Most large families spend about $5.00 on the event. In the past years, different local businesses have helped by donating items for ``Gibson Day in the Park.'' Keith offers special thanks to Bunny Bread, McDonald's Restaurant, and Sikeston Public Schools for their contributions. The city of Sikeston, MO allows Keith to use their vans, and several parents help out with the activities. Keith says that he loves kids, and that they give him the strength to go on. Keith's plans for the future include starting a day care center and bringing kids camping and to the zoo. People have asked Keith how he does it. He tells them. ``Just look at the kids' faces when they're happy, and you tell me why I do it.'' In fact, Keith often says that he's just a big kid himself. Keith believes that the ``Gibson Day in the Park'' picnic shows kids that we can get along together. The day helps kids develop organization skills and a sense of responsibility. And the fact of knowing that someone out there cares about them other than their parents, makes the kids feel good. Congratulations, Keith, on your recognition by the ``Daughters of Sunset.'' Your dedication to the children of Sikeston, MO is both inspiring and heartwarming. May many more kids have the opportunity to benefit from you, your ``Gibson's Day in the Park,'' and your future hope and plans for their future. ____________________