Later, he planned to attend a GOP fundraiser in Kent.

Bush arrived Friday morning to visit the Northwest Boys and Girls Club in Hartford, where he discussed Malaria Awareness Day. He was joined by "American Idol" finalist Melinda Doolittle, who has done work for the cause.

"A great issue to advance is saving people's lives and that's what we're celebrating today," he said.

He was greeted at Bradley International Airport by Gov. M. Jodi Rell, Kevin Eberly Jr., a 17-year-old student at Wooster School in Danbury, and Joe Lapenta, who has spent 68 years working with the Boys & Girls Club in Hartford.

He raised $16,000 for USO Operation Phone Home, which sends phone cards to the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan so that they can call loved ones. He also raised $7,300 for two soldiers who, while serving abroad, lost their homes in Hurricane Katrina.

Eberly said Bush thanked him for supporting his community and the soldiers. "You're a great guy," Eberly said Bush told him.

"I was just like 'Wow,"' he told The Hartford Courant. "I'm on a high right now. I'm not used to getting this much attention. I'm just a little kid trying to do the right thing for this country."

After the Hartford stop, Bush planned to attend a fundraiser in Kent for Republican state Sen. David Cappiello's campaign for the 5th Congressional District. Cappiello is challenging freshman Democratic Congressman Chris Murphy.

The $1,000-per-person event is scheduled at will be at former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger's home. Several dozen protesters have gathered nearby.

Some proceeds will also go to the Republican National Committee. Republicans across the state have received invitations to the event.