More than $500 million has been raised by former President George W. Bush for his presidential library.
The reports on Bush's having received more than half of a billion dollars for his presidential library was confirmed by "sources close to Bush" and the George W. Bush Center. The amount received for the library represents more financing than that which was received by the former president for his two presidential bids, although in those instances, Bush had to contend with limitations on election financing.
"It was our goal to raise $500 million by the time the George W. Bush Presidential Center was dedicated, and we reached that goal," president of the George W. Bush Center Mark Langdale told TIME.
"The milestone makes Bush, who left office four years ago, the most successful fundraiser among former presidents at this stage in his post-White House life," TIME continues in its report. "Former President Bill Clinton's fundraising got off to a slower pace once he left the White House but has significantly surpassed the Bush total largely due to his foundation's humanitarian efforts."
"Half of the money was spent to build the Bush Center itself, a portion of the funds go to a mandatory endowment to the Federal Government, which will be paid when we gift the George W. Bush Presidential Museum and Library to the American people on April 25, and another portion of the funds will go to Southern Methodist University for a endowment that is intended to strengthen our relationship with their programs," Langdale told TIME in a statement. "The remainder of the funds, most of which is paid for over time in long term pledges, provides a strong financial foundation to build the George W. Bush Institute as a long standing contributor to advancing freedom and the principles that have guided President and Mrs. Bush in their service to their country."
Former President Bush's library will be dedicated in Dallas, Texas on Thursday, April 25. All five living "tenants" who have passed through the White House and their families will be in attendance at the ceremonial dedication.
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