When the Marriott offered, for $1 million, an inauguration package of 300 rooms, four suites, $200,000 worth of food and drink, and a prime site overlooking the Pennsylvania Avenue parade route, it was snapped right up by an anonymous purchaser. According to the Washington Post:
“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.”
Stafford with his wife and son
“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.”
Wow. Read more about Stafford here.
Filed under: Commentary, Politics | Tagged: Commentary, Politics
To the Stafford Family;
I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you for your generosity to so many individuals. My mother and I were talking, and we would love to help with your project. We do not have any monetory gifts, but we could host and serve those who are unable to help themselves. With the recent economy burst, I am experiencing job loss for the first time. I will complete a master in marketing and management December 13, 2008, but I am afraid that I will not find a job in this economy. However, I would not like to dwell on my troubles, but help others instead.