Emory Report

January 19, 1999

Volume 51, No. 16

Carter Center Update: Carters will share highlights and hard work at annual 'Winter Weekend' fund-raiser For the seventh consecutive year, former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, will host The Carter Center's annual "Winter Weekend" fund-raiser in Crested Butte, Colo. Held this year Feb 10-14, highlights will include a live benefit auction and a town hall meeting at which President and Mrs. Carter will share updates about recent center accomplishments and projects. "Rosalynn and I always look forward to this event," said Carter. "We enjoy seeing many old friends--and making new ones. Each year we contribute personal items to the auction and greatly appreciate all bids received. Such generous support makes the international work of The Carter Center possible." Among the more than 75 items offered at this year's auction is a walnut end table made by Carter in his home workshop, a rare photo of five presidents (Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Carter, Ronald Reagan and George Bush) and six first ladies (Lady Bird Johnson through Barbara Bush)--signed by each of them--and international and domestic Delta Air Lines vacations. Handcrafted pieces Carter has made for the auction over the past few years include a walnut bench, wooden pitchfork and rake, and a cedar chest. "The auction is a big part of the weekend," said Jay Beck, event coordinator for the past three years. "But what everyone looks forward to most is an opportunity to just relax, enjoy the beautiful scenery and have fun." Among the more than 200 guests joining the Carters will be 10 Atlanta high school students who are members of FutureForce, a program designed to help at-risk teens develop strong leadership and life skills. Communities in Schools and the Department of Defense administer the program for The Atlanta Project. Principals, teachers and counselors selected the FutureForce teens attending the event. "All of the teens chosen for this opportunity are thrilled to be going," said Angela Scott, program director. "At least 75 of our more than 500 FutureForce members have attended the Winter Weekend over the past few years. It is an experience they never forget, and one that helps each of them realize that they really can do things they may never have imagined for themselves." Primary sponsors of the Winter Weekend include Delta, The Coca-Cola Company, Crested Butte Mountain Resort, United Parcel Service, America's Favorite Chicken, Georgia Crown Distributing Company and AAA Club South. "This event is unique in the way it brings people together," said Beck. "Our guests enjoy an exciting and fun-filled weekend, Future Force members get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet and interact with a former president and first lady--and The Carter Center is better able to continue its primary mission of helping people around the world live healthier, more peaceful lives." The Crested Butte auction is open nationwide beginning at 7:30 p.m. Mountain Standard Time (MST) on Feb. 13. Those not attending the event can call 800-428-8831 to bid or can fax their bids to 970-349-2397 before 5 p.m. MST. A catalog listing is on The Carter Center's web site at <www.cartercenter. org>. Catalogs can be requested by calling 404-420-3809. Ann Carney is assistant director of public information at The Carter Center. Return to Jan. 19, 1999, contents page