by Danni Sabota

Wafting down from two miles above earth, former President

George Bush's parachute canopy crept into view, closer and closer,

enough to finally read the clean, crisp logo of The University of

Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center emblazoned upon it.

CNN, one of more than 100 media outlets from across the nation which had converged to record the historic jump, reported live that the now visible parachute bore the name of one of the president’s favorite charities.

To kick off two days of festivities for his 75th birthday, President Bush was making a parachute leap on June 9 and declaring ardent support for the cancer institution that would benefit from the next night’s event, believed to be the largest charitable fund-raising event in the nation’s history.

The Milestones & Miracles event would honor him and Barbara Bush, who marked her own milestone birthday by turning 74 earlier that week.

Robert Mosbacher Sr., who has served twice as chairman of The University Cancer Foundation Board of Visitors, chaired the record-shattering celebration. He orchestrated a masterpiece — the event surpassed all expectations, grossing more than $10.2 million for The George and Barbara Bush Endowment for Innovative Cancer Research at M. D. Anderson from generous individuals, corporations and foundations around the globe.

“We are fortunate and grateful that the Bushes have embraced M. D. Anderson and our mission to eradicate cancer as one of their primary passions,” says Dr. John Mendelsohn, president of M. D. Anderson. “For many years, they have been devoted friends of M. D. Anderson, so finding an appropriate way to recognize their contributions was a challenge. We are delighted that such a permanent gift — a research endowment in their names — was amassed by the generosity of thousands of supporters.”

Nine months in the planning, the Big Day — June 10 — was a banner day culminating with a dinner and all-star performance for 2,500 friends and supporters of the Bushes and M. D. Anderson at Houston’s Astroarena. The performance featured country western legend Reba McEntire, actors Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Willis, acclaimed pianist Van Cliburn, tennis great Chris Evert, presidential favorites the Oak Ridge Boys, CBS sports commentator Jim Nantz and Olympic gold medallist and cancer survivor Scott Hamilton, among others.

For dinner, the cavernous exhibit hall — more known for hosting mega industry trade shows and rodeo livestock than multi-million dollar fundraisers — had been transformed into a playful, colorful visual feast for the eye as well as the palate, incorporating the colors and shapes from the signature birthday cake artwork that had been created by the Children’s Art Project.

Rainbow streamers, giant red lobsters and cowboy boots dangled from the ceiling. And more than 50 brightly colored massive banners draped the walls boasting clever and personal birthday greetings from top event donors, who also had attended a VIP reception earlier that evening on the floor of the Houston Astrodome. Diners’ favored fare was the centerpiece built of individually boxed George Bush Brownie Chocolate Mousse Cake, the president’s favorite.