Instead of jumping out of a plane to celebrate turning 90, former first lady Barbara Bush is promoting literacy, a cause close to her heart.
Barbara Bush created the Barbara Bush Foundation for Fmaily Literacy when she served as first lady more than 25 years ago. Since it became a public charity in 2012 the foundation has raised $42 million and looking to raise more Monday evening. For just $5,000 guests can attend Barbara Bush’s birthday bash in Kennebunkport Maine where the proceeds will go towards the matriarch’s charity.
Bush’s foundation and Dollar General have partnered with X Prize for a $7 million global competition aimed at creating a mobile app that will boost adult literacy skills. "A parent's literacy level is a significant predictor of their child's future educational success, influencing generations to follow," Bush said in a statement.
In addition to promoting literacy, Mrs. Bush made a promise on her 90th birthday. “I’ve promised that during this next campaign season, I will not talk, I will not give any interviews,” the former first lady said Monday during an interview on NBC’s Today Show with granddaughter Jenna Bush Hager. “I'm not gonna be musing about someone who does something stupid in the campaign."
But not to worry, the woman whom the family calls “the enforcer” won’t keep her voice silent when it really matters. “"I'm going to stop voicing my opinion and sticking up for things I think are right — except my boy," Mrs. Bush said when referencing Jeb. "I think he's brilliant."