A Party With Heart: The People's Inaugural
The Washington Post has a front-page story today on the mystery purchaser of the JW Marriott's luxe, $1-million inaugural package. What businessman Earl W. Stafford plans to do with these top-notch accommodations right along the parade route will warm your heart. It's not a typical Washington story:
This morning, the Marriott is scheduled to announce that the buyer is a Virginia businessman who wants to bring to the inauguration disadvantaged people, terminally ill patients, wounded soldiers and others down on their luck.
Earl W. Stafford, 60, of Fairfax County, the founder of a Centreville technology company who grew up as one of 12 children of a Baptist minister, said he will provide his guests lodging, food and special access, as well as beauticians, gowns and tuxedos, if necessary.
Stafford has paid the $1 million, a spokesman said, and is prepared to spend $600,000 more for a breakfast, a luncheon and two balls at the hotel. Stafford said he hopes to recoup some of the $600,000 from other sponsors, yet to be recruited.
"We wanted to . . . bless those who otherwise wouldn't have an opportunity to be a part of the great celebration, the inauguration and the festivities," he said in an interview yesterday. "Our objective is to bring in a cross-section of society -- those who are distressed, those who are terminally ill, those who are socially and economically disadvantaged, those veterans who are wounded and served our country."
As for the more traditional inaugural partying for fat cats, here's a list. The Illinois State Society may be the hot ticket of the night; Black Tie and Boots, not so much.
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1
That's sweet.
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2
is it possible to contribute a bit to this, Karen?
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3
We've gotten away from those core values that made America great," he said yesterday at the headquarters of his company, Unitech, which provides weapons simulation systems to the military. "We just need to get back to caring about one another."
I have nothing to add......
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4
He must be a real american...
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5
Great story. Hope Obama stops by the ball.
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What balls do you get to go to Karen? Is there a correspondence ball? Do you don your boots and go to Texas? That's an interesting list, BTW. Trying to figure out what the Kentucky people are celebrating. It looks like they're going to celebrate the chef. -
6
KT, thanks for posting this. I'll second dum's request for info.
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The story brought this video to mind: YouTube - Playing For Change: Song Around the World "Stand By Me" -
7
KT here--
Kathy: Alas, I have never been to an inaugural ball. I did get invited to a state dinner once during the Clinton years. That was the coolest thing I've ever been to--starting with the fact that I was able to drive my station wagon right up to the White House, and hand the keys to a dashing young man in a military uniform.
I have not given up on the idea of a Swampland round of drinks. I need to stop by the little French restaurant around the block next week and see if their wine bar is booked. Also, Jayack is looking into whether we can all crash whatever the Atriots are doing.
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8
KT -
Well buy yourself a ticket! Or see if you can cover Stafford's ball.
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I've gotten two tours of the White House as a contributing artist. That was very cool, too. They let us take pictures, which is ordinarily a no-no. The second time Laura Bush met with the group but my nephew and I skipped that luncheon.
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We'll all tell Obama it's time for you to get invited again. -
9
I'm so sad I can't get tickets, but this is really nice.
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11
Great story! I've been hearing about a lot of kindness lately. Maybe it's just the season, or maybe, even though perpetuated by greed, the "tragedy" of our economic situation is compelling people to reach out to each other, show compassion and create unity. I certainly hope so - we'll need that in the new year.
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12
Mr. Stafford, I have felt distress these recent months, which have caused me to not feel well after reviewing my 401(k). Would I qualify? I don't do religion and prayer, but promise to be respectful and even reverent at the prayer breakfast. Alternatively, I could serve as wheelchair pusher, smiley face, or whatever, no charge. I will even pay my own air fare, although that would distress me somewhat. Give me a shout.
- ktumulty i will be tweeting this 12/5. MT @susanpage #Gridiron Club sets rules for tweeting at 12/5 dinner speeches by Sarah #Palin & Barney Frank. - 24 minutes ago
- ktumulty @LATimesrainey Could you get them to check for my earrings? I lost a pair of silver ones and have been hunting all over the house for them. - 1 day ago
- ktumulty @TeresaKopec @fishbowlDC thanks! am declaring my age to be the avg of mine and fellow bday girl jen psaki. - 1 day ago
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