This is the text of Manny Taiblum's speech at Friendly House's 2001 fund-raising event, "2001: A Friendly Odyssey."

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Manny Taiblum. I was born in Warsaw, Poland. Before I will tell you about the journey 'til I came to Portland, I want to thank the Director from Friendly House., Mr. Adam Menendez, Miss Eileen McClary, and Mr. Peter (Sorry, I forgot your second name) for the opportunity to speak to you, and you, dear guests, to listen. At age 12 me and my family, younger brother and sister, were taken to ghetto. We lived in unhuman conditions. One day I sneaked out to get food. When I came back I found nobody from my family. The Gestapo took away a lot of people and my family to concentration camp. To date I found no one. I was taken to a labor camp, under guards with machine guns and little food. Afterward I came to Brazil and worked as journalist. Then I came to USA. I resided in and visited many states. I came to Portland and was looking for legal advice. A friend told me about Friendly House and I meet a friendly lady by the name Kate Sullivan. She ask me how she can help me. I got an appointment with an attorney. Later I got produce from Fred Meyer and a food box. When I came in a light overcoat, Miss Eileen told me to go find a warm coat, bring an invoice and I'll get a check. I ask Miss Kate to go with me and I got a coat and hat. Later I need emergency dental work; again, Miss Eileen ask me to bring an estimate and I got done a crown which I badly needed.

As you see, ladies and gentlemen, Friendly House helps people, not only with food but any help they need. There is nothing even close in any place. I want to give back a little to Friendly House for what they did for me. I went to work as a volunteer in the Farmer's Market and the Food Box and I can see how many people came for food. The Scripture says, "Knock on the door and the door shall open," but to come to the Friendly House you don't need to knock on the door but go in and you find a friendly face asking "How can I help?"

Ladies and gentlemen, if you donate to the Friendly House you're helping hundreds of needy people. Their work, I know. King Solomon wrote, "Cast bread on the water, some day may return in double." I'm appealing to you, ladies and gentlemen, listen to your heart. Put one hand on your heart, the second on your checkbook, you may get some day double. In this manner you and your family will be blessed with health and success and be able to give. It is better to give than to receive.

Thank you and God bless all of you!