Former first lady Laura Bush spoke at the Power of the Purse luncheon April 5 at the Amarillo Civic Center to support the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center Laura Welch Bush Institute for Women’s Health.
Following her address, Bush participated in a question and answer session with Texas Tech Chancellor Kent Hance, who was once a political opponent of her husband.
Bush spoke about many issues, among them women’s health awareness and origin of the “Power of the Purse.” In addition, Bush shared personal stories and family updates as well as sharing the institute’s impact on women worldwide.
Bush told one story of a woman in Africa who was shunned by her family after being infected with HIV. The woman began to make purses as a way to support herself and was eventually able to regain her independence and her children. Now, others in the woman’s family look to her for financial support.
“That,” Bush said, “is the power of the purse.”
Attendees bid on donated purses to raise funds for the institute, and culinary arts students from Canyon and other area high schools set tables and served at the event.
