A REAL Inaugural Ball

[preciousjeni]

Millionaire Businessman Earl Stafford's Inauguration Giveaway

Virginia businessman Earl W. Stafford had a vision back in March to do something that would impact folks who were down and out. The idea crystalized in October on the day he peeped over his brother-in-law's shoulder and read a newspaper article about the 2008 inauguration. What Stafford saw was an offer to "build your own ball," an inaugural package from JW Marriott Pennsylvania Avenue hotel in Washington, D.C., which includes a customized three-night stay in 300 guest rooms, $200,000 in food and beverage and a prime view of arguably the most important event of the year. The price tag: a cool $1 million. With a leap of Christian faith and the support of his family, Stafford was the first to sign over a check. Instead of inviting his swanky friends, he plans to see the inauguration with mostly strangers—and many of them having little means to travel to D.C., much less attend a ball and stay in a hotel. Stafford talks to ESSENCE.com about deciding to bankroll the People's Inaugural Project, especially in these tough economic times; about who gets to go; and what compelled him to give so much to people he doesn't know.

http://www.essence.com/news_entertai...s/earlstafford

This is a really beautiful concept to me.