and i'm very sorry that i can speak there in person to enjoy the evening

with you

because i am such a strong supporter uh... what

my good friend early red letter did when he partnered with paul simon in nineteen

eighty seven

to found the children's health fund

over the past twenty five years i've had the privilege of watching their idea

grow from a startup providing health care for homeless children in new york

to a national model of medical excellence that has now reached over

three hundred and fifty thousand children across our country

in helping these

wonderful but disadvantaged children gaining access to the care they need

the children's health fund has done so much more than provide medical care

they've given children who once had a dim future the chance to pursue their

dreams

because when at-risk children have a healthy start

that needs a brighter future for them

for communities and for our country

so here's to all of lives that you have saved and transformed since nineteen

eighty seven

and to the many more that you will touch in the years ahead

thank you so very much and godspeed to you

all who support you