Barbara Bush Comes to the Salem Conference Center

April 21, 2007

The Medical Foundation of Marion and Polk Counties is starting to have a reputation for bringing the big names to Salem. With a plan to raise funds to maintain one of its most important programs, MedAssist, it will continue in that tradition. Two years ago Dr. Jane Goodall, Dame of the British Empire and renowned chimpanzee researcher came to bring her message of hope and discuss her work in Africa. Last year, Jean-Michel Cousteau, son of famous ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau inspired Salem with his love of the ocean and his quest to keep our water world and its creatures safe.

On April 21, 2007, the Foundation will bring yet another great personality to the city. Former First Lady, Barbara Bush will speak on how volunteerism and philanthropy strengthen communities. As a tireless volunteer herself and chairperson of her own foundation for Family Literacy, her presentation

The MedAssist program is the major “good cause” funded by the Foundation.The MedAssist Program provides life-saving prescription medications to qualifying residents of Marion and Polk Counties. The program is modeled after several other highly successful programs in other parts of the country and provides an average of 7,500 prescriptions per month to qualified clients.  “Some of our residents must choose between taking their lifesaving prescription medications, going hungry or paying for housing and utilities,” said Kelemen. “The MedAssist program helps our neighbors in this difficult situation by providing free access to live saving medications. MedAssist helps doctors obtain prescription medication for those patients who fall through the financial cracks, thus making their treatments more effective.” Through sponsorships and ticket sales to the event, the Foundation hopes to raise enough money to fund the MedAssist program for the coming fiscal year.   The dinner will be emceed by Salem philanthropist and personality, Gerry Frank, who is popular in the region for his restaurant, The Konditorei and for his book Find it, Buy it, Eat it in New York.  “Barbara Bush is the epitome of what you see is what you get,” said Frank, who personally knows the former First Lady. “During President George H.W. Bush’s inaugural address, the President said that Barbara would be a great First Lady. Indeed, she was. Hearing her speak up close and personal at the Medical Foundation event will be a special treat that you won’t want to miss.”

The event opens at 6:00 p.m., dinner at 7:30 p.m. and the presentation will begin at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are open to the public for $125. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and are available for purchase on the Foundation website  http://www.mpmedsociety.org or call the Marion-Polk Medical Society at 503-362-9669