Obama sends video message to 'Sesame St.'

NEW YORK, May 28 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama sent a video message of congratulations to be shown at an event celebrating the 40th anniversary of "Sesame Street."

NBC News anchor Brian Williams and Elmo the Muppet served as hosts Wednesday night at the 7th annual Sesame Workshop Gala benefit dinner in New York. The evening featured a performance by singer Sheryl Crow and a screening of Obama's message.

"It is my honor and privilege, as a parent and as president, to say on this wonderful occasion that this video is brought to you by the Number 40," Obama said.

"I'm pleased to join all of you in supporting and celebrating this program, as someone who remembers fondly watching 'Sesame Street' with my younger sister and as a parent of two girls who learned a great deal while spending time with Elmo and Big Bird and all of their pals," he continued. "'Sesame Street' has over the course of four decades managed to remain, at once relevant in changing times, timeless in the values that it instills in our children. In fact, there are many adults who could stand to learn again the lessons that 'Sesame Street' offers: lessons of compassion, and kindness and respect for our differences. The world is a better place for the world you create on 'Sesame Street,' a world that enriches our children's minds and hearts each and every day."

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg was also honored at the Manhattan event with the Global Leadership Award, while toy giant Mattel, Inc. was honored with the Corporate Leadership Award.