Virginia Man Buys Million Dollar Inaugural Package At Marriott- For The Disadvantaged

[cali]

What a great story.

The Benefactor of the Ball
Va. Man Spends $1 Million on Inaugural Package for Disadvantaged

By Michael E. Ruane
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, December 4, 2008; A01



It was billed as the biggest, most eye-popping of the inauguration hotel packages: the JW Marriott's $1 million "build-your-own-ball" offer. You get 300 rooms, four suites, $200,000 worth of food and drink, and a primo site overlooking the Pennsylvania Avenue parade route.

And it was snapped up within hours of Barack Obama's election as president by a customer the hotel declined to identify.

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.

<snip>

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/03/AR2008120304095_pf.html

[trumad]

1. With all the baliout greedy bastards in the news...

This is a great to hear and brings back a little of my faith in humanity.

[Frustratedlady]

2. Pretty incredible. I'm hoping it is done from the heart and not a scam or PR ruse.

If it is from the heart, it is an indication of what Obama brings out in people. When have you heard of such a thing for the Bush pair or even Clinton?

[cali]

3. I don't see how it could possibly be anything but from the heart

Yes, he's going to get great PR, but it's hard to imagine his reason to do this was for that.

[Frustratedlady]

10. Well, the last 8 years have changed my trust, if you know what I mean.

Bless his heart if he is for real. It will restore some of my former faith in the human race. God knows, I don't have a whole lot left after Bush.

[JJ]

17. The right thing for the wrong reason...

is still the right thing.

More power to him, either way.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

4. This guy is doing a noble thing

Wish all wealthy folks were like him.

[bdamomma]

14. yea, they should give up some for others, if they have a

conscience and a soul.

[Mike Daniels]

5. Given that the man gets his income developing weapons simulation software for the military

I'm surprised someone hasn't called him a charlatan just trying to ease his conscience as a result of profiting off the military occupation of Iraq.

For me, I think this a wonderful story and could care less how the guy has managed to make his money. However, it's only a matter of time before someone condemns the guy for what his company does to make it's profit.

[dysfunctional press]

7. is he actually profitting off of iraq specifically...?

or is his software used as part of general training for the military?
at least he's not selling anything "lethal".

[cali]

8. From what I gathered he manufactures military simulation

equipment.

[trumad]

11. Military simulation saves live.

[Mike Daniels]

9. It's general use but I'd think that the more troops you have the more software you need

so any increased military activity would seem to increase the sales of his product.

Again, I think what he's doing is great and could personally care less what his business does if it allows him to carry this plan off.

I was just saying it's a matter of time before someone finds some reason to knock this guy stricly because one of his major clients is the military.

[dysfunctional press]

15. i don't think that iraq matters oneway or another as far as this guy's product is concerned.

if anything, iraq may have hurt him, in that a lot of the troops are rushed thru training, or don't even recieve full-length training/boot camp.

but- since it's simulation software, my guess is that it would help save lives and equipment.

[lonestarnot]

6. Wow! That is very cool!

[MasonJar]

12. What a special person! Thanks to him and joy to all those who get

to go to his gig. I hope Obama stops by this ball. It would be quite relevant and important for him to do so.

[Adelante]

13. Great story - here's the pic that goes with it

[ThatsMyBarack]

16. God bless him!

:yourock: