THE AMERICAN CONSULATE GENERAL
                                                                                                                            
For Immediate Release                                                                                           May 4, 2007

America’s Birthday Celebration:
Become a “Volunteer for Bermuda”

Comments of U.S. Consul General Gregory W. Slayton

1.      Greetings; thank you for being here.

2.      Special welcome to the Honorary Event Chairpersons: 
·        Premier, Dr. the Honorable Ewart Brown, JP, MP
·        Opposition Leader, the Honorable Mr. Michael Dunkley, JP, MP

3.      Very warm welcome to our 4 Premium Sponsors:
·        Mr. Ralph Richardson, Executive Director, the ACE Foundation
·        Ms. Alana Rogers, Director of Human Resources, Bacardi
·        Mr. Gavin Arton, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility & Philanthropy, XL Foundation.
·        Mr. Peter Durhager, Chief Administrative Officer, Renaissance Reinsurance

4.      WHY ARE WE HERE TODAY?
·        To formally kick-off this year’s Independence Day Celebration.
·        To give the public the information they need to know to be part of the event.
·        To thank our generous sponsors.
·        To focus on the theme “Celebrating Freedom, Giving Back to Bermuda.”
·        To kindle excitement about volunteering.

5.      WHY BE A “VOLUNTEER FOR BERMUDA”? 
·        Independence Day is a celebration of freedom, friendship and mutual understanding – one person to another, one country to another.
·        For these priceless gifts we all must give thanks, Americans and Bermudians alike.
·        In that spirit of thankfulness, it is incumbent upon those of us who have to give back to those who have not.
·        The Independence Day celebration, with 50 registered charities at one venue – is an opportune setting for the more than 4,000 guests to look at and consider supporting a charity of their choice.
·        Become a “Volunteer for Bermuda”

6.       WHAT?   
·        A huge outdoor BBQ
·        Guests - 4,000+
·        Games - almost 100 field events
·        Stage entertainment - 8 live bands
·        Spectacular fireworks to end the evening.

7.      WHEN?  Saturday, June 30^th from 5-10 pm

8.      WHERE?  Moresby Plain near Dockyard

9.      WHO?  A team effort.  The American Society and the American Consulate are working together with -
·        Forty of Bermuda’s best CHARITIES, who are providing much of the manpower to make this event a success.
o        Each participating charity will receive a minimum donation of $500 and
o        Have the opportunity to attract new members = ongoing benefits into the future
·        Our CORPORATE SPONSORS who make it happen & deserve much of the credit:
PREMIUM:
·        ACE Foundation
·        Bacardi
·        Renaissance Reinsurance
·        XL Foundation
GOLD:
·        AIG
·        Arch Capital Group
·        Bank of Butterfield
·        Fidelity
·        Montpelier Re

10.     Giving back is what this year’s July 4^th celebration is all about. Take this opportunity to become a “Volunteer for Bermuda.” 

11.     Now I will turn it over to our Honorary Chairmen :
·        Premier, the Hon. Ewart Brown
·        Opposition Leader, the Hon. Michael Dunkley

12.     Then Cindy Campbell, my co-chair on the Independence Day Committee, will tell you more about the celebration itself and how to obtain tickets.