[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
[February 20, 2008]
[Pages 248-249]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks at the United States Embassy in Accra
February 20, 2008

    Thank you all. First, I want to thank Jordin Sparks for taking time out of her busy schedule to join us 
here in Ghana and for performing such a beautiful version of our 
national anthem. By prevailing on last season's ``American Idol,'' 
Jordin showed the world she has a great voice. Raising awareness about 
malaria means that she has got great compassion and a big heart.
    In addition to some great singing, last year's ``American Idol'' 
featured a fundraising campaign called Idol Gives Back. The campaign 
brought in more than $75 million for charities working in the United 
States and Africa. Seventeen million dollars went to organizations that 
protect American families--African families from malaria. And one of 
these charities, Malaria No More, has used the donations to provide bed 
nets for more than 2 million mothers and children in Uganda and Angola 
and Madagascar and Mali and Zambia.
    Last spring, Laura and I made an appearance 
on ``American Idol''--not because of our voices. [Laughter] We went on 
the show to thank viewers for participating in the Idol Gives Back 
campaign. This spring, FOX and ``American Idol'' will once again appeal 
to viewers to help defeat malaria. On April 9th, the show will raise 
money to fight malaria in Africa and support other worthy causes to the 
second round of Idol Gives Back.
    Laura and I hope, and Jordin hopes, that America's generosity will still pour 
forth. And we ask our fellow citizens to contribute to this worthy 
cause.

Note: The President spoke at 11:36 a.m. in the Ambassador's residence. 
In his remarks, he referred to entertainer Jordin Sparks.

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