Submitted by klevin on Fri, 2010-06-04 17:08

Former First Ladies Laura Bush and her mother-in-law, Barbara Bush, were honored on June 3, 2010 at the Covenant House “A Night of Broadway Stars” event in New York City and received the Covenant House “Beacon of Hope” award for their dedication to promoting literacy, child welfare, education, and women’s rights.  Accepting the award on behalf of her grandmother was Barbara Pierce Bush, a Covenant House board member.

“My mother-in-law introduced me to the work of Covenant House many years ago, and this award means so much to both of us,” said former First Lady Laura Bush.   “Your mission in 21 cities helping 70,000 children each year is so important and I urge everyone to look at the work of Covenant House and do what you can to support the young people who come here.”

“How I wish I could be with you,” said Former First Lady Barbara Bush in a video addressing the audience, “but how lucky you are to have the younger, prettier Barbara Bush with you tonight.  It is an honor to accept this award with Laura.  For 38 years Covenant House has been helping lost children without any expectation of anything in return, providing the basic necessities like clothing and shelter but also providing love and hope.  My  thanks to the volunteers, staff and supporters of Covenant House who are making a wonderful difference in our country and the world.  Each of you are beacons of hope or as my husband would say "points of light" and you deserve this award.”

Both Laura Bush and her daughter Barbara were interviewed for the June 4th airing of ABC's "Good Morning America” and spoke about the three generations of Bush women helping homeless youth at Covenant House.

While the first part of the video segment below features Laura Bush’s comments on the BP oil spill, both she and Barbara go on to speak about their support of Covenant House around 1 minute and 40 seconds into the interview.