Former US presidents attend concert for hurricane victims
COLLEGE STATION: All five of America’s living former presidents took the stage on Saturday at a benefit concert in Texas to raise money for victims of the hurricane-ravaged southern United States and Caribbean.
Former presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W.
Bush and Jimmy Carter appeared together onstage at Texas A&M , praising Americans for their willingness to help fellow citizens and urging them to do more.
The effort by the three Democrats and two Republicans has raised over $31 million from 80,000 donors for the victims of hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, George H.W. Bush’s office said.
“All of us on this stage here tonight could not be prouder of the response of Americans. When they see their neighbours and they see their friends, they see strangers in need, Americans step up,” Obama said.
“Let’s all work together and make America still a greater volunteer nation,” said Carter, making an apparent play on President Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” campaign slogan.
“I too am here to urge you to give to this fine fund, and I want to thank all the volunteers,” the younger Bush said.
Former first ladies Barbara and Laura Bush both attended the event, as did vice president Dick Chaney, ex-secretary of state James A. Baker, Senator Ted Cruz and Texas Governor Greg Abbott.
Published in Dawn, October 23rd, 2017