DASHER, Ga. —
Georgia Christian School began its annual fundraising dinner by inviting sports figures to serve as speakers. Last year, the school sold out the Valdosta State University venue by hosting former GOP presidential candidate and popular FOX News personality Mike Huckabee.
This year, Georgia Christian School’s 2012 Benefit Dinner hosts former First Lady Laura Bush.
Georgia Christian Headmaster Brad Lawson and school representatives Ryan Warren and Travis Lewis met with The Times last week to discuss the First Lady’s scheduled Oct. 25 Valdosta appearance.
Uncertain how to surpass the success of Huckabee’s visit, school officials decided to see if they could book the former First Lady. The school has dealt solely with the First Lady’s management. The first request was declined. Looking for a speaker and coming upon a deadline, Georgia Christian
tried Laura Bush a second time. Given her love of education, she accepted the second offer.
School officials feel Georgia Christian’s accomplishments may have swayed her decision. Mike Huckabee may have also put in a few good words for the school. Last year, he praised Georgia Christian for being better prepared than many national events he had attended at the time.
In scheduling a First Lady, there are many security concerns. She is still protected by Secret Service. Anyone coming into contact with the First Lady must be vetted. For Huckabee’s appearance, people could purchase available tickets within a few days of the benefit dinner. With Laura Bush’s appearance, her team needs the guest list a month in advance. So tickets must be purchased by late September, which shouldn’t be a problem. Seats are expected to go fast for this event.
Laura Bush is not the first First Lady to visit Valdosta. Decades ago, Eleanor Roosevelt spoke at what would become Valdosta State University. Lady Bird Johnson made a Valdosta stop on a train tour. Hillary Clinton visited Valdosta with her husband Bill Clinton during his 1992 presidential campaign.
“One of the most beloved and admired First Ladies,” Laura Bush was born in Midland, Texas, the daughter of Jenna and Harold Welch. With a degree in public education and a master’s degree in library science, she taught in Dallas, Houston and Austin public schools and worked as a public school librarian. She married George W. Bush in 1977.
Georgia Christian has several packages available for seats, tables and sponsorships for the event. A few sponsorships will even allow the person to join Laura Bush’s table during the event.
It is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 25, VSU Student Union, with a 6 p.m. reception and 7 p.m. dinner. More information: Visit www.georgiachristian.org; or call (229) 559-5131.
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