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St. FJUN_03 '96 03:32PM WASHINGTON BUREAU
Jun 3.96 10:52
The Hands of Hope
UL
A Creation of Joy and Love by Foster Children
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE
CONTACT: Marsha Friedman at 831-443-7115
Small Hands Reach Out to First Lady
Florida Foster Families Present a Giant "Hands of Hope" Quilt
WASHINGTON, DC -- Foster families and members of the Hands of Hope Quili
Project from Pinellas County Florida, met with Mrs. Clinton in the East Reception Hall of
the White House and presented a giant quilt dotted with over 250 brightly colored little
hand prints representing a brighter future for foster children everywhere.
"It's taken nearly a year of dedicated work from a community that pulled together
to make this dream happen for our foster children," said Marsha Friedman, President of
the Hands of Hope Quilt project. "Our mission is to bring the plight of abused and
neglected children to the nation and ask the First Lady and others to pledge their support
to these children."
The delegation from Pincllas County flew to Washington to unveil the eleven-foot
square masterpiece. The Quilt is made of black velvet and shows over 250 tiny handprints
of foster families made from brightly colored silks, carefully embroidered onto the fabric
by over 30 artisans from Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough Counties. A quote from the
renowned humanitarian, L. Ron Hubbard, runs through it, "A good stable adult with love
and tolerance in his heart is about the best therapy a child can have."
The visitors praised Mrs. Clinton's efforts to help unfortunate children and asked
her to sign the Hands of Hope Pledge to create a better world for abused, abandoned and
neglected children. One foster child presented the First Lady with Hands of Hope Quilt 1.
shirts for the Clinton family saying, "Over 250 of us traced our hands and joined them
together with love creating this Hands of Hope Quilt. It is our hope that this Quilt will
show some of the love that is given and received by foster families and foster children."
Ben Kugler, Executive Director of the Hands of Hope Quilt Project then presented the
First Lady with a leather bound edition of "The Way to Happiness" book by Mr. L. Ron
Hubbard.
Marie Wooster, a veteran foster parent who has taken over 250 foster children into
her home over the last 26 years, and former President of the Foster Parents' Association of
Pinellas County, said "the majority of children in the foster care system are there because
of abuse and neglect and this clearly comes from a lack of parenting skills in the homes
St. JUN 03 '96.03:32PM WASHINGTON BUREAU
Jun 3.96 10:53
they were born and raised in. Our precious children deserve every chance they can get
and this is what the Hands of Hope Quilt Project is all about."
According to the National Committee for the Prevention of Child Abuse, there
were over 8,111,000 reports of child abuse in 1995 and an estimated 996,000 cases of
confirmed maltreatment in the same year. The National Council for Adoption reports that
500,000 children are in foster homes, while roughly 150,000 additional children remain in
foster care awaiting court decisions on where they should be placed.
Earlier in the day, Project executives met with Father Stan Deboe of Congressman
Christopher H. Smith's (NJ) office and Wilfred Hamm of Health and Human Services'
Foster Care Department in the Rayburn House Office Building where the giant eleven-foot
square black velvet quilt was presented. Congressman Smith is a member of the
Congressional Children's Working group. Both gentlemen signed the Hands of Hope
Quili Pledge and received their gifts from the children.
The Hands of Hope Quill was created at the Seventh Annual Pinellas County
Foster Children's Christmas Party, and was contributed to by over 70 community
volunteers, along with numerous national organizations including the McDonald's
Corporation, Motown Records, the Community Auxiliary of the Church of Scientology,
Pizza Hut, and Tampa area quilt artisans.
Other members of the delegation included Gracia Bennish, Art Director for the
Hands of Hope Quilt; Mary Story, Community Affairs Director of the Church of
Scientology which offers its premises for the Christmas Party each year: and a
representative from the Pasco County Quilting Association.
The White House and Congress are some of the first stops on a national and
international tour that will take the Quilt and its message across the United States and
oveseas. "Let this Quilt be a symbol of the importance of love and care in a child's life,"
said Friedman "Our children are our future and how we treat them today will determine
that future."
JUN. 6. 1996
7:44AM P 1
FROM : EVENT MANAGEMENT SERVICES
PHONE NO. : 1813 443 0835
The Hands of Hope
QUiNT
A Creation of Joy and Love by Foster Children
MEMORANDUM
To:
Karen Finney
Fax: 202-456-7805
From:
Marsha Friedman
Phone: 813-443-7115
Fax: 813-443-0835
Date:
June 5, 1996
Re:
Hands Of Hope Quilt
Dear Karen:
I just wanted to thank you for spending a few moments with me yesterday in
conversation about the article that appeared in Tuesday $ edition of the St. Pete Times.
After reading Lisa's quote in the article, I'm sure you were able to understand my
concern in calling you. As we discussed on the phone, he White House had been advised
through memo's and photo's of the many groups supporting this project, including the Church
of Scientology. So, as you can imagine, I was surprised to read anything that contradicted
this recognition. But, I was glad to hear from you that Lisa's complete statement to the St.
Pete Times reporter, was that the White House's perspective on the visit was not concerned
with any Church involvement or personal religions, as the visit was clearly about the foster
children. It's just unfortunate that the St. Pete Times pu. your office on the spot and then
didn't publish Lisa's full response in their article.
I completely agree with your comment that the J eporter must have been having a bad
news day and was obviously trying to stir up a negative twist on a very wonderful, positive
story about this memorable experience for these foster 1 hildren.
Anyway, ] thought you and your office might enjoy knowing that some of the foster
parents who were part of the delegation got numerous ( alls yesterday from people who read
the article and were thrilled to learn that these children were given the opportunity to visit the
White House and, most importantly. meet and shake hands with Mrs. Clinton!
Sincerely,
Marsha Friedman
St. Petersburg Times Florida's Best Newspaper
TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 1996
Sent by: EVENT MANAGEMENT INC 8134437115
L. Ron Hubbard quoted
HANDS OF HOPE
on quilt at White House
A Pinellas foster-family group
Unbeknownst to Mrs. Clinton or her
staff, the group greeted warmly by the
led by two Scientologists
first lady last Tuesday is headed by two
brought the quilt.
Scientologists and promotes Hubbard's
controversial beliefs as part of its promo-
tional literature.
By DAVID DAHL
Times Washington Bureeu Chief
"We were not aware that it is affiliated
with the Church of Scientology," Lisa
WASHINGTON - It was, in the capi-
Caputo, Mrs. Clinton's press secretary,
Mumber of Fasth Childrens
06/04/96 13:50
tal's parlance, a "meet and greet" photo
said Monday upon hearing of the group's
opportunity at the White House.
connections. "It was a very quick hello."
So, there was a smiling Hillary Rod-
After that quick hello, the president of
Job 755
ham Clinton. There were the foster fami-
the Hands of Hope Quilt project put out a
lies from Pinellas County. There was the
news release that took note of Hubbard's
"Hands of Hope Quilt" decorated with
works and reported that one of the White
250 brightly colored hand prints.
House visitors had presented Mrs. Clinton
with a copy of one of Hubbard's books.
Pinther
Country
Florida
And there on the quilt was
a quote
Describing the quilt, the news release
from Church of Scientology founder L.
The "Hands of Hope Quilt" is decorated with 250
Ron Hubbard.
Please see QUILT 5A
hand prints and a quote from Scientology's founder.
Page 2
Quilt
from 1A
says: "A quote from the renowned
humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard runs
through 1, 'A good stable adult
HANDS OF HOPE
with love and tolerance in his heart
is about the best therapy a child
can have.''
"It SO perfectly says what our
message is," explained Marsha
Friedman, a Scientologist and
by. EVENT MANAGEMENT INC 8134437115
president of the Hands of Hope
Quilt project.
Hubbard died in 1986 but re-
mains a central figure in a religion
that still is trying to shake a
tarnished reputation.
In the 1970s, before he died,
Scientologists bugged an IRS of-
fice. In the mid-70s, the Scien-
tologists secretly bought land in
downtown Clearwater and began
what became a long and stormy
relationship with the city.
Practitioners travel to Clear-
water and pay thousands of dollars
White House photo
to receive Scientology religious
services Some former members
Hillary Rodham Clinton posed with the Pinellas delegation. To her right is Marsha Friedman, a Scientologist who heads the project.
06/04/96 13:54
and other critics, though, complain
that Scientology is a cult.
Mrs. Clinton.
dreds the first lady participates in
business owner. I am a mother. I
Among those in attendance
In 1993, the IRS sided with
Florida Sens. Bob Graham and
- as a chance to visit with foster
am a grandmother."
was Marie Wooster, a veteran fos-
Scientology and ended a lengthy
Connie Mack sent perfunctory
families. As is customary: an offi-
Friedman, a Clearwater public
ter parent from Pinellas County
tax dispute with the organization
letters urging the Clintons to meet
cial White House photo was taken.
relations executive, said she is a
who is not a Scientologist. She said
JOD
by recognizing it as a religion. The
with the Hands of Hope Quilt
Reached by telephone Monday,
member of the church. She said
she believes the quilt project -
church savs it has cleaned up its
group - with no mention of any
Friedman insisted she is hiding
other Scientologists include proj-
and its members who are Sciento-
act since the trouble of the '70s.
Scientology connection. "It is my
nothing, because there is nothing
ect executive director Ben Kugler
logists - are filling a need in the
Along those lines, the Church
pleasure to forward to you a re-
to hide. She said the quilt project is
and quilt designer Gracia Bennish.
community by promoting foster
of Scientology has hosted a Christ-
quest from 500 foster children
not affiliated with the Church of
The Scientologists were in the
parenting.
mas Party for foster children for
(from) Pinellas County. Florida,"
Scientology.
delegation that saw Mrs. Clinton
"They have never really tried
the past seven years, according to
read Graham's November 1995
"This is not about the church
last Tuesday. along with ten chil-
to push their religion on anybody,"
Friedman. The quilt was created at
letter.
or the church's controversy. It's
dren and seven parents and several
Wooster said in a phone interview
the party. she said.
Finally, it happened. Caputo
really about the children," she
foster-child advocates from Pinel-
Friedman said she worked for
said Mrs. Clinton saw the brief
said. "I am not a representative for
their association with us, I'm afraic age
"If they hope to gain more through
las County who are not members
months to set up a meeting with
get-together - similar to hun-
the Church of Scientology. I am a
of the church.
they will be sorely disappointed."
St. Petersburg Times Florida's Best Newspaper
TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 1996
Sent by: EVENT MANAGEMENT INC 8134437115
L. Ron Hubbard quoted
HANDS OF HOPE
on quilt at White House
A Pinellas foster-family group
Unbeknownst to Mrs. Clinton or her
led by two Scientologists
staff, the group greeted warmly by the
first lady last Tuesday is headed by two
brought the quilt.
Scientologists and promotes Hubbard's
controversial beliefs as part of its promo-
tional literature.
By DAVID DAHL
Times Washington Bureau Chief
"We were not aware that it is affiliated
with the Church of Scientology," Lisa
WASHINGTON - It was, in the capi-
Caputo, Mrs. Clinton's press secretary,
tal's parlance, a "meet and greet" photo
Murcheds of Forth Children
06/04/96 13:50
said Monday upon hearing of the group's
opportunity at the White House.
connections. "It was a very quick hello."
So, there was a smiling Hillary Rod-
After that quick hello, the president of
Job 755
ham Clinton. There were the foster fami-
the Hands of Hope Quilt project put out a
lies from Pinellas County. There was the
news release that took note of Hubbard's
"Hands of Hope Quilt" decorated with
works and reported that one of the White
250 brightly colored hand prints.
House visitors had presented Mrs. Clinton
with a copy of one of Hubbard's books.
Pinettes
County
Florida
And there on the quilt was a quote
from Church of Scientology founder L.
Describing the quilt, the news release
The "Hands of Hope Quilt" is decorated with 250
Ron Hubbard.
Please see QUILT 5A
hand prints and a quote from Scientology's founder.
Page 2
Quilt
from 1A
says: "A quote from the renowned
humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard runs
through it, 'A good stable adult
HANDS HOPE
with love and tolerance in his heart
MANAGEMENT
is about the best therapy a child
can have.''
"It so perfectly says what our
INC
message is," explained Marsha
Friedman, a Scientologist and
president of the Hands of Hope
Quilt project.
Hubbard died in 1986 but re-
8134437115
mains a central figure in a religion
that still is trying to shake a
tarnished reputation.
In the 1970s, before he died,
Scientologists bugged an IRS of-
fice. In the mid-70s, the Scien-
tologists secretly bought land in
downtown Clearwater and began
what became a long and stormy
relationship with the city.
Practitioners travel to Clear-
water and pay thousands of dollars
to receive Scientology religious
White House photo
services Some former members
Hillary Rodham Clinton posed with the Pinellas delegation. To her right is Marsha Friedman, a Scientologist who heads the project.
06/04/96 13:54
and other critics, though, complain
that Scientology is a cult.
Mrs. Clinton.
dreds the first lady participates in
business owner. I am a mother. I
Among those in attendance
In 1993, the IRS sided with
Florida Sens. Bob Graham and
- as a chance to visit with foster
am a grandmother."
was Marie Wooster, a veteran fos-
Scientology and ended a lengthy
Connie Mack sent perfunctory
families. As is customary; an offi-
Friedman, a Clearwater public
ter parent from Pinellas County
tax dispute with the organization
letters urging the Clintons to meet
cial White House photo was taken.
relations executive, said she is a
who is not a Scientologist. She said
by recognizing it as a religion. The
with the Hands of Hope Quilt
Reached by telephone Monday,
member of the church. She said
she believes the quilt project -
church says it has cleaned up its
group with no mention of any
Friedman insisted she is hiding
other Scientologists include proj-
and its members who are Sciento-
7555 gor
act since the trouble of the '70s.
Scientology connection. "It is my
nothing, because there is nothing
ect executive director Ben Kugler
logists - are filling a need in the
Along those lines, the Church
pleasure to forward to you a re-
to hide. She said the quilt project is
and quilt designer Gracia Bennish.
community by promoting foster
of Scientology has hosted a Christ-
quest from 500 foster children
not affiliated with the Church of
The Scientologists were in the
parenting.
mas Party for foster children for
(from) Pinellas County, Florida,"
Scientology.
delegation that saw Mrs. Clinton
"They have never really tried
the past seven years, according to
read Graham's November 1995
"This is not about the church
last Tuesday, along with ten chil-
to push their religion on anybody,"
Friedman. The quilt was created at
letter.
or the church's controversy. It's
dren and seven parents and several
Wooster said in a phone interview
the party, she said.
Finally, it happened. Caputo
really about the children," she
foster-child advocates from Pinel-
"If they hope to gain more through
Friedman said she worked for
said Mrs. Clinton saw the brief
said. "I am not a representative for
las County who are not members
their association with us, I'm afraic
months to set up a meeting with
get-together similar to hun-
the Church of Scientology. I am a
of the church.
they will be sorely disappointed."
Page 3