The George W. Bush Presidential Center has surpassed the $200 million mark for its A Charge to Keep capital campaign, which launched in April at the Bush Center’s first annual Forum on Leadership.
BUSH CENTER SURPASSES $200 MILLION IN A CHARGE TO KEEP CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
Campaign Launched in April at landmark Forum on Leadership event
September 26, 2018 — The George W. Bush Presidential Center announced today that it has surpassed the $200 million mark for its A Charge to Keep capital campaign, which launched in April at the Bush Center’s first annual Forum on Leadership. The campaign will ensure that the George W. Bush Institute continues the work begun by President and Mrs. Bush while they were in the White House, and takes on new work inspired by their principles.
“My hope is that the Bush Center will always serve as a place where timeless principles are celebrated, protected, and promoted,” said President George W. Bush. “We’ve had a good start. Now we must make sure our mission endures for generations to come.”
A Charge to Keep is the name of one of President Bush’s favorite hymns, and the name of a painting he proudly displayed in the Oval Office. Both are reminders of the call to serve a cause greater than self. The Charge to Keep campaign endows the work being done at the George W. Bush Institute through three Impact Centers — Domestic Excellence, Global Leadership, and an Engagement Agenda — to develop leaders, advance policy, and take action to solve today’s most pressing challenges.
“The impact of our work has reached new heights. In order to ensure that lasts far into the future, it’s important that we’re sustainable – not only with our programs and thought leadership, but also financially,” said Ken Hersh, President and CEO of the Bush Center. “The Board determined that a $300MM capital campaign would sustain the organization’s work. I’m proud that the campaign has kicked off with such momentum. It’s clear our donors and partners see the important impact of the Bush Institute’s work both at home and abroad.”
In support of the Bush Institute’s programming, generous gifts have been received from the following individuals and families:
$10MM
Julia & George Argyros
Carolyn & David Miller, to support the Native Texas Park and the Miller Amphitheater
The Family of Helen and Rich DeVos
$5MM – $9MM
Kathy & Harlan Crow
Brad Freeman
The Hersh Foundation
Kelcy Warren
“George and I are grateful for the generous support of individuals and organizations that have helped us ensure that the Bush Center will continue to serve our Nation and the world,” said Mrs. Laura Bush.
The A Charge to Keep Campaign has also attracted significant corporate investment. The Boeing Company has committed $10MM to support both the domestic and global impact centers of the Bush Institute, with a special focus on WE Lead, a program to prepare and empower the next generation of women leaders from the Middle East, North Africa, and Afghanistan, and the Military Service Initiative, which helps post-9/11 veterans and their families transition back into civilian life. Highland Capital Management has endowed the Bush Center’s public engagement program, Engage at the Bush Center, presented by Highland Capital Management, with a $10MM gift.
