Light the Way Campaign

For the second year, First Lady Dianne Bentley joined with other First Ladies across the nation to "Light the Way" in recognition of Down syndrome cognitive research.

First Lady of New Jersey, Mary Pat Christie said, "As a result of non-profit groups such as Research Down Syndrome, groundbreaking advances have been made which hold the near term promise to increase life opportunities for those with Down syndrome."

Downs syndrome results from the presence of three copies of chromosome 21. It is the most common chromosomal disorder, affecting over 400,000 people in the United States. Mrs. Bentley hopes that together, we can recognize our citizens living with this condition and inspire their loved ones in their continued efforts to advance cognitive research.

Heart Gallery of Alabama Exhibit Connects Children in Foster Care with Adoptive Families

MONTGOMERY – First Lady Dianne Bentley hosted an event at the Governor’s Mansion to display a portion of the Heart Gallery of Alabama Exhibit.  The exhibit is now on display in the Alabama State Capitol and will remain there through March.

Heart Gallery of Alabama is an outreach program aimed at connecting children in foster care with adoptive families.  Heart Gallery recruits professional photographers to take meaningful portraits that capture the unique spirit of each child.  The portraits are put on display in a variety of venues across the state where prospective adoptive parents can learn more about the children in Alabama who are waiting on a family.

Mrs. Bentley became involved with Heart Gallery of Alabama after attending an exhibit in Tuscaloosa.  She chose to be an advocate for this program because, as an adoptive parent, she understands the blessings one receives through adoption.

“Heart Gallery is a program that deserves more attention. It is a wonderful resource for prospective parents, and it provides forever families to Alabama children,” Mrs. Bentley said.  “Every child deserves to have their birthday celebrated, a present on Christmas, and to know they are loved every day.  It is my hope that other families will feel called to open their homes for these foster children.  But even if you cannot adopt, I encourage you to be a mentor and a champion for such a worthy cause.”

Mrs. Bentley was joined at last night’s event by Nancy Buckner, Commissioner of Alabama’s Department of Human Resources, as well as representatives from Heart Gallery of Alabama and families who have adopted through the foster care process.

During the rest of the month of March, the exhibit will be on display at the Alabama State Capitol Building in the Old Supreme Court Library.  The full exhibit is also available online at Heart Gallery of Alabama’s website, http://www.heartgalleryalabama.com.

First Lady Dianne Bentley Donates Nearly 2,500 Phones to HopeLine® for Victims of Domestic Abuse

MONTGOMERY—First Lady Dianne Bentley on Monday donated nearly 2,500 cell phones and accessories that were recently collected to HopeLine®.

HopeLine® is a national recycling program by Verizon Wireless. The program collects wireless devices and accessories that are no longer used. The phones and accessories can be refurbished, recycled and/or sold, with phones and proceeds directly benefiting victims of domestic violence through grants and the donation of wireless phones and service.

Mrs. Bentley challenged the Governor’s staff and cabinet and their employees to collect and donate used cell phones and accessories after she attended an event at One Place Family Justice Center that highlighted the work of those involved in abuse prevention.

“It is my hope that others across the state will donate their unused phones and accessories to HopeLine® because when victims of abuse are given proper resources and support, it helps end the cycle of violence,” Mrs. Bentley said. “We live in a wonderful state, and this is just one more way we can give back as a community and make a difference in the lives of our neighbors.”

Mrs. Bentley’s original goal was to help collect 500 phones for HopeLine®. By the time donations were tallied from various cabinet departments and agencies, nearly 2,500 were collected.

Also Monday, Mrs. Bentley was presented with the 2012 HopeLine® Hero Award for her work to raise community awareness about the issue of domestic violence and for her leadership in the collection of the phones and accessories. In addition, Verizon announced a $5,000 HopeLine® grant would be given to the domestic violence outreach of Mrs. Bentley’s choice.

Jonathan LeCompte, president of the Verizon Wireless Georgia/Alabama region, said the donation of wireless devices will connect the phones with the people who need them most.

“Because of First Lady Bentley’s dedication to this cause, Verizon will be able to give more HopeLine® grant dollars in Alabama and put more phones in the hands of people who need them," LeCompte said. "We gratefully accept the donation and are honored to share the First Lady's commitment by providing HopeLine®  funding to a domestic violence outreach of her choosing.”

All models of phones and accessories from all wireless carriers can be donated to the HopeLine® program.

Read Across America 2012 at Oak Grove Elementary

Today, First Lady Dianne Bentley traveled to Oak Grove Elementary to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Seuss and the start of Read Across America. She was greeted and welcomed in to the media center where an attentive group of third graders sat waiting for her arrival. She began by talking a little about her role as First Lady but then shared her love of reading. After she read, she answered questions from the students. Following the third graders, the kindergarten classes came in to read. They were dressed festive like Cat in the Hat to honor Dr. Seuss and his day. Each class got their picture with the First Lady before heading back to their room.

Mrs. Bentley spoke with press about the importance of reading and the positive influence books can have in a life. She hopes to read to more schools while she serves the state of Alabama as First Lady, in an effort to promote literacy.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR. SEUSS!!!

Buy Alabama's Best Press Conference

Today, the Governor and First Lady attended the Buy Alabama's Best press conference in Montgomery. Members of major corporations, legislators, small business owners, and other advocates gathered in support of Alabama products and Alabama people. This platform works with the Alabama Department of Tourism and "The Year of Alabama Food" initiative. Throughout the year different products will be featured and different restaurants in the state will be highlighted. There are so many wonderful treasures in Alabama, and the Bentley's hope that people will take time to discover them.

Mrs. Bentley said, "One of the best parts of my job as First Lady is to advocate about Alabama. There are so many great things out there and it is my pleasure to bring focus to them. I look forward to working with the Department of Tourism as we spend this year featuring Alabama food."

Arbor Day 2012

Today, First Lady Dianne Bentley joined with the Arbor Day Foundation to recognize Arbor Day. The event was held on the grounds of the Capitol and members of the public and press participated. Mrs. Bentley shared her thoughts and congratulated the winners of this year's poster contest. Mary Grace Geiger, a fifth grader from Huntsville, placed first and gave brief remarks on Arbor Day as well. Andrew Williams from Cullman, and Alana Hyatt from Ashville, were the runners-up and stood with their posters to answer questions. Following the ceremony and presentation of the proclamation from the Governor, the group planted a tree.

The First Lady was delighted to participate in this event and is thankful for the beautiful trees in Alabama.

Empty Bowls Luncheon

First Lady Dianne Bentley traveled to Troy University to paint a bowl that will be auctioned off for the Empty Bowls Luncheon. This luncheon is a benefit for the Pike County Salvation Army Food Bank and will be held on February 24 from 11 AM to 2 PM at Bush Memorial Baptist Church. Tickets to attend are $20 and are available at the Salvation Army on 509 S Brundidge Street in Troy. For more information, call 334-808-1069.

Every bowl has been donated by professional potters, student artists, or volunteer non professionals and designed with love and care for community. Each person that attends the event will select a bowl which they will keep as a reminder of the purpose of the meal.

"We believe that here on earth we can learn to feed one another, as well. It is our goal to raise as much money as possible to feed hungry people in the area and to help bring about an attitude that will not allow hunger to exist."