Teddy's Friends Raise Millions

[babylonsister]

Teddy's Friends Raise Millions

by Adam Clymer

The Daily Beast has learned that despite a family vow against "premature eulogies," Kennedy's pals have $88 million in commitments towards a massive monument in his honor.


While the watchword from Hyannis Port is “no premature eulogies” for Ted Kennedy, the ailing senator’s friends are hard at work on an imposing monument to his career, the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the Senate. Just as presidential libraries have replicas of the Oval Office, the institute’s building—to be constructed on Boston’s Columbia Point, not far from the John F. Kennedy Library—will house a full-size version of the Senate Chamber.

Despite the recession, in a year of fundraising Kennedy’s allies have secured commitments for $88 million toward a goal of $100 million, said Jack Connors, a Boston businessman in charge of securing contributions. Connors said he expected to meet that target and perhaps reach $120 million, including federal money.

Peter Meade, chosen last month as president of the institute, said this week that activities and programs would begin this fall, even before any construction of the building has begun.

Eventually the institute will have programs for elementary- and secondary-school students, including a “Summer Senate” with two teenagers from each state working on simulated legislation from hearings through debates and votes. College students from the University of Massachusetts at Boston, which is providing the 4-acre site for the institute, and other nearby institutions will study the history of the Senate generally and Kennedy’s career specifically, especially the importance of working across party lines. The institute also plans to offer orientation sessions for newly elected senators.

more...

http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-08-12/teddys-100-million-legacy/full/

[BrklynLiberal]

1. Somehow..I hope this is as very premature eulogy....

He is needed for a few more years....

[babylonsister]

2. I hope it's premature also, but this sounds like it will be a lovely

educational place for him to be remembered.

[BrklynLiberal]

3. Yes. I hope it is built while he is still alive and he can be there for the dedication.