Barbara Bush to attend fund-raiser in Portland

PORTLAND – Former first lady Barbara Bush is scheduled to attend Portland’s annual Civic Luncheon at noon Thursday, June 20, at the Holiday Inn By The Bay.

The event is set to raise $15,000 to $25,000 for Salvation Army community activities.

The Salvation Army’s Northern New England Division has become a popular stop for the Bushes. Last year, George W. Bush visited the Portland Senior Center. A few months later, his father, former President George Herbert Walker Bush, was the guest of honor at the Sanford Corp.’s Civic Dinner.

Barbara Bush, long noted for volunteer advocacy, is expected to address close to 500 people at the luncheon.

This year’s luncheon is chaired by WCSH 6 news anchor Cindy Williams. The event also will recognize outstanding volunteers, including literacy volunteer Irene Adams of Portland. She will receive The Salvation Army’s Others Award, given for exceptional community service.

The Salvation Army is offering corporate sponsorship packages for the Portland Civic Luncheon. Individual tickets are also available for $35.

For more information, call Pat James at Portland division headquarters at 774-6304, Ext. 232.