FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Chris Kellogg
502-564-4240, chris.kellogg@mail.state.ky.us
502-682-1566

September 6, 2001

As First Lady Judi Patton welcomes other southern first ladies to the Bluegrass as part of the Southern Governors Association (SGA) meeting that begins Sunday, the events planned during their stay relate to advocacy efforts and interests that all the spouses support in their home states. As advocates for the educational and developmental needs of children and women's health issues, particularly breast cancer detection and prevention, the visiting first ladies will share ideas and see examples of Kentucky's progress on both issues now more visible and addressed through government due to Mrs. Patton's involvement and support.

"The women attending this meeting share the knowledge of how essential it is that we marshal our forces as individual states and as a region, to wipe out harmful elements that inhibit our development as a society," Mrs. Patton said. "We have to work together to educate and make improvements in areas that impact the quality of life for our women and children. With a unified voice we can advance these issues with hope and expectation of ongoing progress."

"And while they're visiting, we fully intend to show them our world-famous Kentucky hospitality and beauty," she added.

Former Congresswoman and CBS news host Susan Molinari will address a reception hosted by the Century Council. Launched ten years ago and funded by America's leading distillers, the council promotes responsible decision-making about beverage alcohol and fights alcohol abuse, focusing on drunk driving and underage drinking problems. Molinari, like Patton, is also a leader in stemming domestic violence against women and children.

The group will also hear about the economic impact the arts have on the southern economy during a visit to the Headley Whitney Museum on Old Frankfort Pike and join the governors at social events at Keeneland, the Kentucky Horse Park and the host site at the Marriott-Griffin Gate in Lexington.

The Pattons are hosting the 67th meeting as Governor Paul Patton finishes out his term as chairman of SGA.

While visiting Lexington and Frankfort for the three-day event, the first ladies will visit historic sites in the state capitol and attend other venues that highlight some of the causes Judi Patton has championed during her husband's term. Monday morning they will visit the Children's Advocacy Center of the Bluegrass where each first lady will be presented with a doll from the Blue Ribbon Doll project. The project, which was launched by Patton in 1998, helps fund programs across the state that fight child abuse (www.state.ky.us/agencies/gov/dollrel.htm). Each first lady will receive a hand-crafted doll that represents specific interests she supports in her state. Tuesday's breakfast at the Marriott will be hosted by the Breast Cancer Coalition and the Task Force on Breast Cancer. The two groups, both chaired by Patton, will introduce new materials to be distributed statewide

The group will join the governors for Vice President Dick Cheney's address on Monday morning followed by a luncheon address by senior White House correspondent and Kentucky native Helen Thomas, the opening and closing ceremonies, all at the Marriott-Griffin Gate.

Attending the meeting are Marie Barnes, first lady of Georgia, Janet McCain Huckabee of Arkansas, Martha Sundquist of Tennessee, Alice Foster of Louisiana, and Sandy Wise of West Virginia.

Note to editors/news directors: There is no charge for media to attend SGA events. However credentials are required. http://sga.state.ky.us