Posted on 10/21/2005 7:28:43 PM PDT by wagglebee
Texas oil tycoon T. Boone Pickens donated $10 million to the Ronald Reagan library, covering the remaining costs of the new Air Force One Pavilion at the hilltop museum.
The gift from Pickens, who in 1980 was Texas state finance chairman for Reagan's presidential campaign, will allow the foundation to pay off its $32 million construction loan.
"This gift means so much to me," former first lady Nancy Reagan said in a statement Thursday, the eve of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library's opening ceremony for the pavilion.
"Ronnie and I have been friends with Boone for many years. That his gift helps fulfill my husband's wish for the American people to walk through this historic aircraft is only fitting to their friendship," Mrs. Reagan said.
President George W. Bush and first lady Laura Bush were joining Mrs. Reagan at Friday's opening of the pavilion. Former Gov. Pete Wilson, Pickens and longtime Reagan family friend Merv Griffin were also on the guest list.
"History will forever remember President Reagan as one of America's greatest figures," Pickens said in a statement. "He was a tireless and unwavering leader in many areas, and I especially admired his spirited commitment to free enterprise and entrepreneurship."
The foundation will use about $4 million of the Pickens donation to pay off the construction loan. The rest will be placed in an endowment
Pickens, 77, was the founder and longtime chairman of Mesa Petroleum, which was one of the largest oil and gas producers in the country. He left the company in 1996 and became the chairman of BP Capital, an investment firm.
The library's 87,000-square-foot Air Force One Pavilion features the Boeing 707 used by seven U.S. presidents.
A wonderful tribute!
I agree in so many ways,however that much money could do so much in research for disease control.
COOL!!
RonDog was/is and has always been my hero! My gang has lived and respected Ronnie forever!
The liberal demo/blue collar/born and die Demos, who dont know what they vote for relatives would puke!
Of course these are Rote voting MA gov't doppelgangers, everybody's paycheck depends on the Nanny State!
>>>"I agree in so many ways,however that much money could do so much in research for disease control"<<<
that much money is doing much for RAT control. The pests that cause disease, famine, hardship etc etc
replace "cause" with "contribute to"
In the grand scheme of things, sadly, that amount of $$ is a drop in the bucket.
What we need is to have Alzheimer's be the result of bad life choices and wanton immorality and to be primarily focused on less than 3% of the populace. Then it would have billons raised for it or extorted from the Government.
This is a fitting and wonderful gift by Mr. Pickens.
I JUST KNEW THE REPUBLICANS WERE OWNED AND CONTROLLED BY BIG OIL!
And for dental hygiene, and freeing Sudanese slaves, and beautifying our highways, and paying off the national debt.
However, in celebration of President Reagan's support of the free enterprise system, this man chose to honor the President through a donation to his library.
You may, of course, donate your own money to any cause you choose.
America thanks Mr Pickens for his support of the Reagan Library
Ping!
That makes you 'special,' now get back on the short bus and behave yourself.
Good point.
Sorry, I forgot my /sarcasm tag ;-)
Well stated. Thanks Tonto and thanks T.Boone!
What I wouldn't give to share a beer with good ol Boone. Good men still exsit. Boone is one of them.
Merv could sure cough up some big coin.
God Bless Mr. Pickens for his support of President Reagan in his election campaign and now in memory of President Reagan!
I got to see Mr. Pickens a few years ago....he was at Stillwater for the dedication of the new football stadium....T. Boone Pickens Stadium at Oklahoma State Univ. OSU is very proud and thankful for such a generous alumni.
He's a great American!
What you said.
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