You and a guest will enjoy lunch with Senators Bob and Elizabeth Dole at the historic Hay Adams Hotel in Washington D.C.
With 35 years in Congress and experience as a decorated soldier, former Senator Bob Dole is well known for serving his country, but less well known is his lifelong service to animals in need. In office, Dole – who for years came to work with his miniature schnauzer, Leader, at his side – championed humane legislation, advocated for animals in crisis, and brought critical attention to important animal issues. Since his retirement from politics in 1996, the 93-year-old Dole has remained active in the animal welfare cause, advocating for a permanent ban on horse slaughter, protecting the pets of domestic violence victims, and condemning the barbaric treatment of farm animals at the USDA’s U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC). His advocacy helped encourage Congress to take action to ensure the facility’s compliance with the Animal Welfare Act. In 2016, he was awarded the ASPCA Presidential Service Award, an honor bestowed upon people who have helped bring visibility to animal welfare and who have shown an extraordinary commitment to the well-being of animals.
Elizabeth Dole graduated with distinction from Duke University as a member of Phi Beta Kappa, earned a law degree from Harvard Law School, and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Harvard University. Mrs. Dole has dedicated her life to public service. In 1983, she became the first woman to be appointed U.S. Secretary of Transportation, serving five years. As Secretary, she issued a landmark regulation which is credited with widespread enactment of the first state safety belt laws and air bags in cars. This act is credited with saving hundreds of thousands of lives. She later served as U.S. Secretary of Labor where top priorities included workplace safety and initiatives to help youth-at-risk. Dole became only the second woman to serve as president of the Red Cross since Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross in 1881. While serving at the Red Cross, Dole led a massive transformation of the way the Red Cross collects, tests and distributes one-half of the nation’s blood supply. In 2002, Senator Dole became the first woman to represent North Carolina in the United States Senate. In 2012, she founded Caring for Military Families: The Elizabeth Dole Foundation to raise awareness and support for the 5.5 million young spouses, mothers, fathers and other loved ones caring for our nation’s wounded warriors at home. Elizabeth Dole is an ardent supporter of animal welfare. Ask her to tell you her experiences of rescuing animals and birds!