Presidential Inaugural Committee Announces Distribution of Remaining Funds

Presidential Inaugural Committee Announces Distribution of Remaining Funds

PR Newswire

11.15.05

Today the 55th Presidential Inaugural Committee has announced the recipients of the remaining private funds raised to underwrite the activities surrounding the Inauguration of President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney held January 20, 2005.

"We have selected recipients that represent our theme, 'Celebrating Freedom, Honoring Service'," said the Honorable Jeanne L. Phillips, Chairman, 55th Presidential Inaugural Committee. "Each recipient has proven themselves to have strong organizations that are making a difference in the lives of Americans," Phillips continued. "Each group is deserving and we are pleased to assist them in their efforts."

The National Museum of African American History and Culture will receive $500,000. The National Museum of African American History and Culture was established in 2003 when President Bush signed into law legislation establishing the museum as part of the Smithsonian Institution, and is devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, art, history, and culture. A check will be presented today to Lonnie Bunch, National Director of the Museum.

The Fisher House will receive $500,000. The Fisher House is "the premier quality of life organization supporting the military." Since 1990 it has built and donated 32 "comfort homes" on the grounds of military and veterans' medical centers, allowing family to be close to their loved ones during hospitalization. Each major military facility has at least one Fisher House. The Fisher House has served more than 8,500 families and created 2 million days of lodging in support of America's military. Additionally, the Fisher House Foundation underwrites the administration of the Defense Commissary Agency's Scholarships for Military Children Program. A check will be presented today to David A. Coker, Executive Director and Vice President for Operations.

In addition, the committee will make a contribution of $125,000 to each of four foundations that serve the families of men and women serving in our armed forces. These include the military scholarship funds of the Navy-Marine Corps Relief, the Army Emergency Relief, the Air Force Aid Society and the Coast Guard Foundation. These foundations provide tuition grants, scholarships, and loans to dependent children of active duty, reserve, retired, or deceased military service members, and also tuition assistance and grants for the education of the spouses of service members.

"We are pleased that the 55th Presidential Inaugural Committee has concluded its main activities and is able to distribute these funds on behalf of the committee and our generous donors," Ambassador Phillips said.