BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) -
During her visit to the Magic City, First Lady Michelle Obama met with Birmingham leaders to find out how the region has recovered since the April 27 tornadoes. Michelle Obama saw the tornadoes' devastation firsthand when visiting Alabama with President Obama in April 2011.
Mrs. Obama joined local officials including Birmingham Mayor William Bell and Congresswoman Terri Sewell at the MacAlpine Recreation Center for the roundtable discussion and update on the region's progress. She inquired about the emotional toll of the storms on survivors, as well as the safety rooms or shelters being built at schools that were hit. The state EMA officials said the number of new shelters built since April 27 will be able to hold 12,000 people.
After the discussion wrapped up, the First Lady surprised campers at the McAlpine Red Center participating in Camp Noah, a week-long day camp for kids affected by the tornadoes and other disasters. The First Lady entered the room to the sound of surprised gasps and cheers, and met the campers who were in the middle of making a healthy snack.
Michelle Obama is visiting Birmingham today to fundraise for her husband's re-election campaign. The fundraiser will be held at the Birmingham Sheraton Hotel. The fundraiser begins at 4 p.m. and the First Lady is scheduled to speak at 5:15 p.m.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Michelle Obama joins city and community leaders for an update on the region's progress in tornado recovery. Source: Melanie Posey
Rep. Terri Sewell, First Lady Michelle Obama and Birmingham Mayor William Bell at the tornado recovery roundtable. Source: Jonathan Hardison
The First Lady makes a surprise entrance at Camp Noah, a day camp for kids affected by disasters including the April 27 tornadoes. Source: Jonathan Hardison
