Former first lady Laura Bush will visit Atlanta as the keynote speaker Monday at a fundraiser for the Children's Village at Christian City.
Bush was selected for "her wonderful world perspective," said Bob Crutchfield, president and CEO of Christian City, which is a conglomeration of nine nonprofit organizations. The Children's Village, which helps abandoned, neglected and abused children ages 5 to 17, is just one.
The event at the Georgia International Convention Center will include a VIP reception, luncheon and book signing. Bush will speak at the luncheon, which will be hosted by Chick-fil-A founder Truett Cathy and U.S. Rep. Lynn Westmoreland, R-Ga.
"[Bush] has a very broad background of interest in children's issues, particularly oppressed children and women, globally," Crutchfield said. "She has a real good insight of the needs of kids from nutrition, disease control, literacy and education."
The children at the Children's Village are "very often culturally and educationally deprived, and they lack a model family structure to look to" for guidance, Crutchfield said. About 30 children currently live on the sprawling campus in Union City. There is also a transitional housing program for older youths and an extensive program for seniors.
Event preview
Laura Bush. Hopes and Dreams Luncheon on Monday to benefit the Children's Village at Christian City. 11:15 a.m. to noon, VIP reception; noon to 1:45 p.m., lunch; and 1:45 p.m., book signing. $150 to $500. Georgia International Convention Center, 2000 Convention Center Concourse, College Park. www.christiancity.org or call 770-703-2636.
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