President Bill Clinton Delivers Keynote at "Thank You, Arkansas" Luncheon
Clinton receives sculpture that will be placed in the River Market sculpture garden in his honor and 5th Anniversary
The William J. Clinton Presidential Center celebrated its five year anniversary with reflection and thanks. Wrapping up the five-day celebration, "Five Days of Giving," President Clinton delivered the keynote speech at a luncheon on the grounds of the Clinton Center.
The event was an opportunity for President Clinton and the Clinton Center staff to thank the community for its unwavering support during the Center's first five years.
Clinton looked back at the Center's accomplishments since opening its doors in 2004 citing exhibits, visitor numbers and educational programming.
Since opening its doors five years ago, the Clinton Center has welcomed more than 1.6 million visitors from across the globe. As a top tourism attraction, the Clinton Center has served as a catalyst for economic development in the River Market area of downtown Little Rock, as well as throughout the city and the state. According to Downtown Little Rock partnership, The Center has spurred more than $2 billion in revitalization and investment in the community.
Looking to the future of the Center, Clinton also announced the long-awaited renovation of the Rock Island Bridge will begin in 2010.
Additionally, the more than 1,000 guests enjoyed remarks from Terri Garner, director of the Clinton Library; Dr. Dean Kumpuris, Little Rock City Board member; and Stephanie S. Streett, executive director of the Clinton Foundation. City Year Little Rock/North Little Rock led the guests in the "Pledge of Allegiance," and students from Little Rock's Rockefeller Elementary performed the "National Anthem."
A video prepared for the event, and as a special thank you gift to President Clinton, featured more than 30 testimonials from civic leaders, elected officials, educators, tourism representatives who underscored the Center's impact on the community.
The video, titled "Thank You, Mr. President," was a surprise gift to Clinton and will serve as a working oral history of the Center for years to come.
President Clinton was also presented with a commemorative, hand-made wooden bowl by Randy Zook of Arkansas State Chamber, Dr. Dean Kumpuris, Dan O'Bryne of Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau and Jay Chesshir of the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce.
"Five Days of Giving" began on Saturday, Nov. 14, with a free admission day at the Clinton Library. Saturday also marked the beginning of the Clinton Center Coat Drive. On Sunday, visitors who donated a coat received a 15 percent discount at Sunday brunch at the Center's on-site restaurant, Forty Two. More than 2,100 coats were collected and will be distributed to central Arkansas children and families.
On Monday, six students from the Clinton School of Public Service held a public service panel where they discussed their service projects underway both domestically and internationally. On Tuesday, volunteers from the Clinton Center, from City Year Little Rock/North Little Rock and the City of Little Rock took part of a community service project at the Oak Forrest Community Garden.
