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The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy Marks 20 Years of Bringing Families Together Through Learning at the 8th Annual Celebration of Reading Event in Dallas

Over the years the Foundation has awarded millions of dollars to support the development and expansion of family literacy programs in 50 states including the District of Columbia. In addition, the Foundation administers state-wide initiatives in Maine, Texas, Maryland, and Florida. Thanks to the support of scores of generous donors and the hard work of literacy providers across the United States, thousands of parents and children who once were without the most basic literacy skills can now read, write, and comprehend.

"The Foundation's credo is, 'The home is the child's first school, the parent is the child's first teacher, and reading is the child's first subject,'" said Mrs. Bush. "If every man, woman, and child could read, write, and comprehend, we would be so much closer to solving many of the problems facing our nation."

The Foundation's annual fundraiser, A Celebration of Reading, will be held on Monday, November 16, 2009 at the Morton H. Meyerson Center. Mrs. Bush's grandchildren, Amanda and George P. Bush, chair the event committee. Proceeds will benefit the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy and the Barbara Bush Texas Fund for Family Literacy.

The evening starts with the Authors' Reception - a casual mix-and-mingle with the Bushes and authors. Barbara Bush hosts the evening, introducing each author and bantering with her husband, former President George H. W. Bush and other surprise guests. Afterwards, guests enjoy a buffet supper and leave with a book by one of the guest authors.

This year's Dallas Celebration of Reading features five best-selling authors reading excerpts from their books. David Baldacci is the internationally-acclaimed author of 17 bestselling novels will debut his recently released novel, True Blue. Jeffrey Engel is a Professor of History at the Bush School of Government & Public Service and author of The China Diary of George H.W. Bush. Humorist A. J. Jacobs is the author of The Year of Living Biblically. Entertainment icon Mary Tyler Moore will share excerpts from her new memoir, Growing Up Again. We will also enjoy the Southern humor of Julia Reed and her book The House on First Street.

"Thanks to the wonderful support across Texas for A Celebration of Reading, we're building a brighter future for our state," said Mrs. Bush. "Even though we have made great progress, much work still needs to be done to bring literacy into every home in America."

THE BARBARA BUSH FOUNDATION and the Dallas Celebration of Reading have joined the social networking scene. Become a fan of the Barbara Bush Foundation Facebook fan page as well as follow us on Twitter http://twitter.com/georgepbush or http://twitter.com/celebrationread. Be the first to hear breaking news from the Foundation and the Celebration of Reading.

Founded by Barbara Bush in 1989, THE BARBARA BUSH FOUNDATION FOR FAMILY LITERACY supports the development and expansion of family literacy programs -- in settings where parents and children read and learn together -- across the United States. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis to nonprofit organizations, correctional institutions, homeless shelters, schools and school districts, libraries and community- and faith-based agencies. Over the past 20 years, the Foundation has awarded $34 million to 773 family literacy programs in 50 states including the nation's capital. To learn more, visit www.barbarabushfoundation.com.

For media and more information about the Celebration of Reading contact:
Ms. Carrie Eickenroht, 800-222-5652 or ceickenroht@dinipartners.com

The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy
Ms. Benita Somerfield, Executive Director
202-955-6183