Bill Clinton: “I want to think you Len Roberts and the people of United Way for making this day possible. The tremendous board members…”

“I want to think you Len Roberts and the people of United Way for making this day possible. The tremendous board members, including Brian Gallagher and Dr. Johnnetta Cole. And Paul Thornell and Bridget Gavaghan, of the staff. I also want to thank Senator Dole for working with me on this project. Because of her long history with the Red Cross, she understands the important of 2-1-1, and I am so pleased to be working with her to champion the Calling for 2-1-1 Act. I know that she will be a tremendous help in getting this legislation passed into law. Representatives Richard Burr and Anna Eshoo are leading this effort in the House and I appreciate their efforts. I also want to thank you Major Dennis E. Fowler who was here this morning from Florida to share his perspective on the value of 2-1-1. And of course, I have to mention George Clooney who is on the board of United Way and came to a press conference this morning to help publicize this legislation. I am always happy to thank people who take time away from K Street to help Main Street. This is a piece of legislation whose time has come. As you all know, I represent a State that experienced a horrible tragedy on September 11. The silver lining in that tragedy was the tremendous outgrowth of volunteerism. We saw thousands of individuals-- people from all over the country--who came to New York just to lend a hand. But the biggest challenge the city experienced was coordinating those efforts.”