Philanthropists, take note: the highly anticipated George W. Bush Presidential Center will open to the public on the SMU campus May 1, following its April 25 dedication ceremony. But in the meantime, the President and First Lady are asking for financial support via email. On the online giving form, dollar increments start at $5 and go up to $1,000. Or, donors can enter in their own totals. The library had an initial fundraising goal of $300 million and exceeded its benchmark by nearly $115 million, according to a Dallas Morning News report. 

All the names of library contributors will be released once the library is opened, unless donors formally request to remain anonymous. In 2012, the largest single donation was $10 million. The full text of the email can be found below:

Laura and I are grateful for our friends across the country who have supported the George W. Bush Presidential Center.  Thanks to many, our vision of the Bush Center is becoming a reality.

We are less than 80 days away from the official Dedication of the Bush Center on April 25th.  The building is spectacular, and we are now moving in.  Meanwhile, the Bush Institute is already making an impact in global health, economic growth, human freedom, and education reform.  We are also empowering women to transform their countries and honoring the brave men and women who have served in our Nation’s military.

Your investment would enable us to continue this important work.  We hope you will consider supporting the Bush Center in 2013 and make a difference for generations to come.

Laura and I are excited to open the doors and show the world what you have helped us accomplish.  We send our appreciation and best wishes.

Sincerely,

George W. Bush