When parents received a letter announcing that First Lady Laura Bush might visit Hubbard Woods Elementary School in Winnetka on Friday, some dressed their children in red, white and blue outfits.
But the visit never materialized, disappointing both parents and children.
“It’s sad because it would have been a unique opportunity for the kids,” said Amy Zook, whose daughter, Alyssa, is a 3rd grader.
Laura Bush and daughters Barbara and Jenna attended a private fundraiser at the Winnetka home of Shirley and Patrick Ryan, chief executive officer of Aon Corp. They live across the street from the school.
Principal Maureen Cheever said she discussed a visit with Bush campaign officials, but it couldn’t be worked out.
“It was a long shot anyway,” she said.
Ali Harden, a spokeswoman for the first lady, said she wasn’t aware of an invitation from the school.
“She is a teacher and loves to stop by schools, but that was never on her schedule for today,” Harden said.
The luncheon, featuring lobster tail for an estimated 150, raised about $675,000, according to the Republican National Committee. In July, the Ryans raised about $2.5 million for President Bush at another private event, the committee said.
Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka, chairwoman of the Illinois Republican Party, said the first lady spoke for 15 minutes about the importance of women in society. She talked about how the lives of women in Afghanistan had improved since U.S. troops were sent there, Topinka said.
Barbara and Jenna talked about being on the campaign trail with their mother.
“They also talked to everyone at every table, which I thought was very nice,” Topinka said.
