American Studies Institute

Barbara Bush

April 11, 2002

Barbara Bush often jokes that her successful life is a result of marrying well. Her husband’s service as vice president and president of the United States offered her a unique opportunity to make a difference while in the public eye. Today she continues her service as AmeriCares’ ambassador-at-large and as a supporter of various organizations, including the Leukemia Society of America, Ronald McDonald Houses, the Mayo Clinic Foundation, and the Boys & Girls Club of America. Her number one cause, however, is family literacy. In 1990 she helped develop the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, whose mission is to support the development of family literacy programs, break the intergenerational cycle of illiteracy, and establish literacy as a value in every American family. She currently serves as honorary chair and hosts its annual fundraisers,” A Celebration of Reading.”