JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – At a fireside chat held Friday at Christ's Church in Mandarin, former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush spoke to a packed house about faith life and family.
The event was a fundraiser held in conjunction with the church's 20th anniversary with proceeds benefiting the more than 450 students who attend the church's Academy.
Well after the prayer and national anthem, the Bushes took the stage to a standing ovation.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Never before have we had anybody of this caliber at our church and never again probably. It's going to be a very special night, " said Pastor Jason Cullum, Christ's Church Academy.
About 500 people came out for the fireside chat. The former first couple started the talk with a laugh about their grandchildren.
"Barbara and Jenna called recently and I'm not kidding for no apparent reason they thought my grandparent name should be Mimi Maxwell. George just wants the baby to call him sir," said Laura Bush.
"You know our grandkids are so smart; she speaks Mandarin," said former President Bush.
After the laughs, family, faith, education and life were just a few of the topics discussed.
"We appreciate your hospitality and we are thrilled to support this school," said George Bush.
"We're looking to continue to build leaders for the future. We're looking to do a couple of capital campaigns. As well as our financial assistance program to be able to boost that so more students can come to Christ's Church Academy," said Alex Willis, director of advancement.
According to the head of the school, the 450 students benefiting from the fundraiser were thrilled to have the couple come speak. They prepared gifts.
"Our art students drew pictures of their dogs. Another student made dog biscuits to give to them. So they are totally excited about this opportunity for the school," said Madison Nichols, head of Christ's Church Academy.