Thank you and good afternoon. It's such a privilege to be here with all of you to celebrate the wonderful work of Lawrence Hall Youth Services — to celebrate the hope and opportunity they offer children and families.

It is such a moving — and humbling — experience to be joined by Archbishop Desmond Tutu. We stand in admiration before a man who has dedicated his life to fighting peacefully for humanity, against oppression and injustice. There is no greater calling, and no more noble cause. Archbishop Tutu shows us through his work how much can be achieved, how much is possible. On behalf of the Freddie Mac Foundation, Lawrence Hall and all of us here today, we are honored to welcome you.

We're also delighted to have Mary Ann Childers here as our emcee, and to welcome Mayor Daley and Deloris Jordan.

Over the past few weeks, I've had the pleasure of getting to know Ms. Jordan a little better. And what really comes through when you talk to her is her genuine love of our children, and her commitment to their safety and welfare. Deloris, we're delighted you're here. Mayor Daley and Chicago First Lady Maggie Daley, you've shown your leadership on behalf of Chicago's children and families time and time again. At Freddie Mac and the Freddie Mac Foundation, we are especially grateful for your support of community-based programs, education and efforts to improve affordable housing and fight homelessness. Thank you for contributions to this community.

I'm so pleased to be joined by a number of Freddie Mac employees and some of the nonprofits we help support. Welcome.

You know, awhile back when I was thinking about today's event, I read about the work of the Desmond Tutu Peace Foundation. And what that Foundation celebrates is the "triumph of the human spirit."

Lawrence Hall, and all of you here to day, play a part in that mission — a part in helping the human spirit rise and triumph, often over adversity.

It's hard to fully comprehend just what many of the children who come to Lawrence Hall have been through. Some have been abused or neglected; they may be homeless or desperately need a family to take care of them. Yet I believe that despite these traumatic experiences, these children and families have the chance of a better life, the chance to triumph over adversity, with the support of Lawrence Hall. I'd like to recognize CEO Mary Hollie and all of the Lawrence Hall staff, for their outstanding work day in and day out. I am so grateful that you are reaching out to these children who so urgently need our help. You have responded by making them feel safe, valued and cherished. What an extraordinarily important mission and accomplishment!

Lawrence Hall offers so many vital services to children and families — from early childhood education, to foster care, to independent living for youth.

Like Lawrence Hall, the Freddie Mac Foundation is committed to these types of programs and services. Our work here in Chicago, in Washington, DC where we are based, and in several other regions, centers around preventing child abuse and neglect, finding permanent homes for foster children and helping young people reach their full potential. Here in Chicago, our flagship adoption program, Wednesday's Child on NBC 5 news, helps find adoptive homes for children in foster care — those that are the hardest to place. The Freddie Mac Foundation has given more than $ 6 million to programs here in Chicago that help children and families.

I know that all of us, working together, can do so much in the lives of our children. And I know that Lawrence Hall is doing just that, and is truly "making a difference to last a lifetime."

It's a privilege to be here, and I look forward to our program and to hearing from Archbishop Tutu. Thank you all so much for joining us.