First lady Melania Trump has been named Palm Beach Atlantic University’s 2020 Woman of Distinction for her charitable leadership with the White House’s “Be Best” initiative.
First lady Melania will be honored at the university’s luncheon on Feb. 19 celebrating women who have made a significant impact on the U.S. community.
“Our first lady is an exquisite human being, a magnificent wife and life partner, a superb mother and an outstanding first lady, who represents us brilliantly in the United States and worldwide,” Eileen Burns, co-chairwoman of the event, told The Palm Beach Post.
“Melania is a perfect example of a Woman of Distinction and we are most proud to honor her,” Eileen Burns said.
Co-chairwoman Frances Fisher added that first lady Melania Trump is one of two first ladies who have been residents of Palm Beach. Jacqueline and John F. Kennedy stayed there in a “Winter White House” when he was president.
“First ladies define the history of our country,” Fisher said. “This will be a truly memorable event.”
A representative from Palm Beach Atlantic University told Newsweek that tickets for the event were quickly sold out after they were available. Proceeds from the event will benefit a PBAU scholarship for female students.
The award recognizes women for their support of organizations that promote arts, education, health care and other community initiatives, and first lady Melania is being honored for her leadership in the Be Best initiative.
The first lady launched “Be Best” in May 2018 to promote children’s social and emotional health.
“It remains our generation’s moral imperative to take responsibility and help our children manage the many issues they are facing today, including encouraging positive social, emotional, and physical habits,” first lady Melania said in her statement launching the initiative.
“By acknowledging there are many important issues, and knowing these problems cannot be solved overnight, I believe we can change the way we think and talk about issues facing children today,” she added.
The online safety pillar of “Be Best” includes cyberbullying and promoting good citizenship online. Having said that, first lady Melania was criticized by some in the media last month for not defending 16-year-old climate change activist Greta Thunberg after President Trump tweeted, “Greta must work on her Anger Management problem, then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend! Chill Greta, Chill!”
