John McCain and Barack Obama Join Al Smith Foundation in Support of Underprivileged Children

New York, NY (PRWEB) November 3, 2008 -- On October 16, 2008, the Alfred E. Smith Foundation hosted presidential nominees John McCain and Barack Obama at its 63rd Annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner (www.alsmithfoundation.org). According to the Foundation, the dinner was a tremendous success and raised a record $3.7 million in support of underprivileged children in New York.

On this experience at the dinner, Senator McCain commented, "I'm proud to have had the opportunity to come together with Senator Obama, and many Americans dedicated to serving their communities, to participate in the 63rd Annual Alfred E. Smith (www.alsmithfoundation.org) Memorial Foundation Dinner. The Foundation serves as a beacon of hope to those in need, and as a reminder to us all that true happiness can only come through dedicated services to causes greater than our own self-interest. I'd like to thank the Foundation for the honor and congratulate them on their good works."

The sentiment was echoed by Senator Obama, "It was an honor to attend the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner in support of an organization with such a remarkable history of compassion and commitment to helping those in need. The ongoing fight for justice on behalf of the poor and underprivileged is a cause we share - and it's a commitment I will keep as President."

Dressed in formal white ties, Senators McCain and Obama gave the grand ballroom audience a rare glimpse of their comedic talent, inducing thunderous laughter covering topics from 'Joe the Plumber' to 'Mission Accomplished' to lipstick. Other political, business and media luminaries in attendance included Hillary Clinton, Chuck Schumer, Michael Bloomberg, David Paterson, Henry Kissinger, Rupert Murdoch, Katie Couric and Brian Williams. The event was hosted by Cardinal Edward Egan, Archbishop of New York. The Master of Ceremonies was Alfred E. Smith IV, the great grandson of former New York Governor Alfred Emanuel Smith.

"I am truly honored to have the bipartisan support of Senators McCain and Obama, coming together in an evening of unity to help us bring hope to the neediest children in New York. Our dinner is a 63-year-old tradition and I am already looking forward to the next presidential year," said Alfred E. Smith IV.

To learn more about the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation (www.alsmithfoundation.org), or to obtain a full length copy of the dinner video, please visit www.alsmithfoundation.org.

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