Mrs. Laura Bush Gathers Leaders in Business, Philanthropy, Science, Education, and Parks to Share Ideas and Explore Strategies for Supporting Parks in the Next Century.

The National Park Foundation today announced that Honorary Chair, Mrs. Laura Bush will convene the National Park Foundation's first-ever Leadership Summit on Partnership and Philanthropy to benefit national parks. Taking place at the University of Texas at Austin on October 15 and 16, 2007, this historic gathering will bring together the nation's top leaders and visionaries from business, philanthropy, government, education, and the parks to explore new ideas and opportunities for partnership to help ensure the future of our national park system into the next century. Key among the dignitaries participating in this unique event is The Honorable Dirk Kempthorne, Secretary, U.S. Department of the Interior and Chair, National Park Foundation.

"In preparation for the parks' Centennial celebration in 2016, the National Park Foundation brought together thought-leaders from diverse disciplines and backgrounds to take part in this important national dialogue," said Vin Cipolla, President and CEO of the National Park Foundation. "The Leadership Summit will help raise awareness about the importance of private, corporate, and philanthropic support in preserving our parks so that our children and their grandchildren may enjoy them for generations to come."

Key Speakers Include:

• Mrs. Laura Bush, National Park Foundation, Honorary Chair
• The Honorable Dirk Kempthorne, Secretary, U.S. Department of the Interior and Chairman, National Park Foundation
• The Honorable Henry M. Paulson Jr., Secretary, U.S. Department of the Treasury
• John Faraci, Chairman and CEO, International Paper
• General Tommy Franks, U.S. Army (Retired), and Director, National Park Foundation Board of Directors
• David Rockefeller Jr., Director and Chairman Emeritus, Rockefeller & Co., and Vice Chair, National Park Foundation
• Mary Bomar, Director, National Park Service and Secretary National Park Foundation
• Robert Stanton, Former Director, National Park Service, and Trustee of the African American Experience Fund of the National Park Foundation
• Tom Tierney, Chairman and Co-Founder, Bridgespan Group
• Rebecca Rimel, President and CEO, The Pew Charitable Trusts

Key Topics for discussion:

• Charitable investments in parks
• New ideas for sustainable recreation
• Engaging diverse audiences in the parks
• Stewardship through public and private partnership
• Corporate engagement with parks
• Global conservation leadership
• Connecting families to parks

The National Park Foundation has also launched a companion website at http://www.nationalparksummit.org that will offer up-to-date information about the Summit and live web streaming of all sessions.

Summit and live web streaming of all sessions. Secretary Kempthorne said, "The driving force behind the creation of our National Park System was the sheer will of the American people who set aside thousands of acres of wilderness for all to enjoy. And now, as we look forward to celebrating our 100th anniversary in 2016, it will be this same spirit of giving and public philanthropy that will keep our parks thriving for the next century."

"We are grateful to Mrs. Bush and all the leaders who are contributing their time, energy and voice to this national conversation," added Mr. Cipolla. "There is a lot of energy in the charitable marketplace for parks right now and the National Park Foundation Leadership Summit will create a strategic forum to connect and strengthen sources of support for parks at all levels and expand the dialogue around park partnerships."

The National Park Foundation Leadership Summit is sponsored by TheFord Motor Company, Proud Partner of America's National Parks and International Paper, and other Foundation supporters.

About the National Park Foundation:
The National Park Foundation (http://www.nationalparks.org) is a 501(c)(3) organization chartered by Congress in 1967 to continue a century-long tradition of private philanthropy ensuring funding to preserve and enhance the legacy of our National Parks. As the official non-profit partner of America's National Parks, the National Park Foundation does not receive federal appropriations for their support. The National Park Foundation serves to strengthen the connection between the American people and their national parks by raising private funds, making strategic grants, creating innovative partnerships and increasing public awareness. Support of the National Park Foundation ensures that the evolving history and rich heritage of our Nation remains vital and relevant.