GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Each year, to honor and celebrate the legacy of first lady Betty Ford, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation hosts the America’s First Ladies Luncheon Series. This year’s presentation, “Inside the White House: Behind the Scenes of the First Lady’s Office,” will feature Anita McBride, former chief of staff to first lady Laura Bush; Tina Tchen, former chief of staff to first lady Michelle Obama; and Chef Roland Mesnier, former White House pastry chef.
The discussion, taking place on Thursday, May 30, at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park (located at 1000 E. Beltline Ave. NE in Grand Rapids, Mich.,) will be moderated by White House Historical Association President Stewart D. McLaurin. In addition to the behind the scenes discussion, Motown singer Martha Reeves will perform a special tribute to Ford.
“Our family is privileged to have Anita McBride, Tina Tchen, and Chef Mesnier together as they share their first-hand perspectives on how each first lady puts their mark on American history. We are also humbled to have Martha Reeves perform a special tribute in our mother's honor,” said Mike Ford, son of President and first lady Ford. “Celebrating mom’s legacy through the America’s First Ladies Luncheon Series brings a feeling of pride to the hearts of the Ford family. It’s our privilege to be able to share her legacy with the community through this annual event.”
McBride currently serves as executive-in-residence at the Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies in the School of Public Affairs at American University and is a board member for the White House Historical Association. Before serving as chief of staff to Bush, McBride served as White House personnel director for Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, special assistant to the president for management and administration, and as an assistant to President George W. Bush.
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