Recognizing the Halpern Family As Recipients of the 2022 Distinguished Citizen Award

Floor Speech

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Mr. MRVAN. Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I take this time to recognize the recipients of the 2022 Distinguished Citizen Award, presented annually by the Boy Scouts of America, Pathway to Adventure Council. To commemorate this special occasion, the organization is hosting a celebratory event on Wednesday, November 9, 2022, at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster, Indiana.

Since 1992, the Boy Scouts of America has bestowed the Distinguished Citizen Award upon individuals whose efforts have made a significant positive impact on the community of Northwest Indiana and beyond. This year, the Boy Scouts of America, Pathway to Adventure Council is honoring the Halpern family.

Fred, Donna, Joshua, and Ashley Halpern are the owners of Albert's Diamond Jewelers in Schererville, Indiana. Established in East Chicago, Indiana, in 1905, Fred Halpern acquired Albert's in 1960. Throughout the years, Fred and his wife, Donna, handled much of the business operations. In 2010, Joshua, Fred and Donna's son, was named president of the company, becoming the fourth generation in his family to run the business. That same year, Joshua wed Ashley, who had been part of the Albert's team since 2003. Throughout the years, the company has flourished, and Albert's Diamond Jewelers continues to be one of the largest independent and family-owned jewelry stores in the country.

The Halpern family dedicates much of their time and support to charitable endeavors throughout the region including the Foodbank of Northwest Indiana, NWI Parkinson's, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the Humane Society, South Shore Arts, and TradeWinds, among many others. In addition, the family hosts an annual auction for Multiple Sclerosis, which has raised over $2.6 million. The Halpern family is to be commended for their passionate and lifelong commitment to philanthropic efforts.

Madam Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in recognizing the Boy Scouts of America, Pathway to Adventure Council and its 2022 Distinguished Citizen Award recipients, Fred, Donna, Joshua, and Ashley Halpern. For their compassionate devotion to numerous charitable organizations, the Halpern family is to be admired, and they are worthy of the highest praise.

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