Former Presidents Coming To Tulsa

NewsOn6.com

TULSA, OK -- Former Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton will be featured co-speakers at the upcoming 16th Annual Salvation Army William Booth Society Benefit Dinner which will be held on May 2, 2009, at the BOK Center.

"We are truly honored that President Bush and President Clinton have agreed to join us for the 2009 Salvation Army dinner as co-presenters," said Becky J. Frank, chair of The Salvation Army Advisory Board and William Booth Society. "This is a critical time in our country to support basic social services as so many people are in need. We are grateful to President Bush and President Clinton for their desire and willingness to support The Salvation Army in what will be the most significant event in the history of our organization."

Presidents Bush and Clinton have a history of teaming together for philanthropic causes, evidenced by their efforts to help communities rebuild and recover following the Indian Ocean Tsunami in 2004, Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and Hurricane Ike in 2008. They will join together again in support of the Tulsa Salvation Army.

All donations to the William Booth Society remain in Tulsa and are used to help so many with basic services and in rebuilding their lives. At least 83 cents of every dollar donated to The Salvation Army goes directly to those in need. The Chronicle of Philanthropy has ranked The Salvation Army as the No. 1 charity in the United States. Their programs include emergency financial services, child and youth development, senior citizens programs, alcohol and substance abuse programs, and Christmas and seasonal assistance.

This past year, The Salvation Army served 298,384 meals to the area's hungry, 6,777 people received emergency family assistance, and 39,069 gifts and toys were distributed to needy children at Christmas.