Thank you Chief Ramsey. I am delighted to be here this afternoon.

At the Freddie Mac Foundation, we've been long-time supporters and partners of the Boys & Girls Clubs and of Camp Brown in particular. That's because we share a vision with the Boys & Girls Clubs about helping our local children and youth succeed...and what better way than giving our city's most vulnerable children a chance to dream and grow in the idyllic, safe setting of summer camp.

Summer camp is a special rite of passage and great summer pastime for those lucky enough to go. Camp provides children with tremendous learning and recreational experiences…and of course fun! Just as important, by making camp possible, we can open a whole new world for children. One memorable experience can change a life for the better…and that's what we're counting on.

That's why Camp Brown's services are so vital for reaching our young people. When we heard that Camp Brown might not open this summer due to lack of funds, we knew we had to act. We gave a $100,000 challenge grant, hoping that our corporate and private peers would also see the value of this extraordinary camp. The challenge worked. They raised the money, which is why we are gathered here today to celebrate.

I would be remiss if I didn't stop and thank a special member of our Foundation grantmaking team that helped make this possible. He is a native Washingtonian who spent his youth playing and learning at the Boys & Girls Clubs and even spent some summers at Camp Brown.

His first-hand knowledge of what the Boys & Girls Clubs mean to vulnerable youth has made him an ardent crusader within our Foundation for the Boys & Girls Clubs outstanding work. He, in fact, worked on our $1 million grant two years ago that ensured a successful merger between Boys & Girls and the Police Clubs. His name is Arthur Dade. Arthur can you stand and be recognized.

Again, we are excited to support Camp Brown's tradition of providing youngsters the opportunity to escape the bustle and heat of the city to enjoy a weeklong adventure in the countryside. We hope the memories and experiences help shape these young lives so they become successful contributing adults – like Arthur and so many other leaders in our community.

And now I'd like to introduce Danielle Williams, a 16 year old who attends Wilson Senior High School. A club member for 10 years, she is an aspiring singer and leader in the community. As a veteran of Camp Brown, she can share with us the significance of this DC institution. Danielle…

Thank you.