Earl W. Stafford, Sr. is putting his money where his vision of America is. Stafford has ponied up $1 million dollars to make sure that disadvantaged people will be able to participate -- in style-- in Barack Obama's inauguration. Earl W. Stafford, Sr. calls his effort 'The People's Inaugural Project'. From the Washington Post:"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."
Stafford said the idea was inspired by his deep religious faith and the good fortune that has come his way. The inauguration is an opportunity to remember the less fortunate and remind the country of its traditions of benevolence, he said.
"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." ...
Interview with Earl W. Stafford, Sr.
Stafford, a technology entrepreneur, is referred to as 'The Benefactor of the Ball' by the Washington Post. Within hours of Obama's election, Stafford had snapped up Marriot's $1 million dollar Inauguration package and then announced his decision to reserve at least one-third of the rooms for injured vets, the terminally ill, financially challenged, homeless, physically disabled and others who might not otherwise have access to this perhaps once in a lifetime event. And Stafford's guests will be gifted with VIP treatment by Stafford and his team:
This is the holiday spirit in action."We'll provide the venue. We'll provide all the amenities and those type of things," he said. The partnering organizations, such as the Urban League, will be allocated a certain number of rooms for people they help select. "The Urban League will be responsible for their safety, their security, for bringing them in to Washington," he said.
(AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
"There will be those who are distressed and underserved mingling with people who aren't so," he said. The needy will be "our honored guests. That's who inspire us."
He wants gowns and tuxedos to be provided, and has hired beauticians "to make it special for these people coming in," he said.
Source
***Update***: IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BEING ONE OF MR. STAFFORD'S GUESTS YOU MUST EMAIL THE FOUNDATION AND TELL THEM YOUR STORY. THE EMAIL IS:
INAUGURATION@THESTAFFORDFOUNDATION.ORG
Mr. Stafford is also working with THE URBAN LEAGUE to help identify attendees. You might want to reach out to your local chapters as well. CD
Comments: (62)
Add a comment
By: Rawle Prince on 12/05/2008 1:48PM
I think that the most beautiful plan, I have heard in a long time. It touches ones heart. I love it. My helping others may God be with you.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Judith Dillard on 12/05/2008 1:47PM
I think that Mr. Stafford is a God send. And when I heard about the project, I knew that my prayer had been anwered.
I have lived 18 plus years with AIDS, and I know in my spirit that I don't have much longer too live. But attendence to the Inaugural Project would be my one wish come true. I don't know how to get in touch with Mr. Stafford, but I really do want to be included.
I am 11 years in recovery from crack cocaine, and I lived for 7 years homeless on Los Angeles's Skidrow. But today I am a student at Tarrant County College in Fort Worth, Tx.
Plese help me to contact Mr. Stafford.
Respectfully;
Judith Dillard
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Gordon Peter ("Pete") Apps on 12/05/2008 1:44PM
I would like to contact Mr. Earl W. Stafford to ask for his help in getting my wife, Shannon Apps, to the inauguration.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Karen Kirkendoll on 12/05/2008 3:16PM
I would like my son to be able to attend the inauguration. He is a student at Fisk University and he would love the opportunity to attend this historical event. Please advise me on how he can be considered as one of the many students/youth to attend.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: margaret caruso on 12/05/2008 2:54PM
Personally, I feel that Earl Stafford should look into using his money to feed the poor or giving some children the gift of Christmas instead of a show.
All my life not so much importance was placed on the inaguaration other elections were just as important.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Keisha Jones on 12/06/2008 9:04AM
I believe that this is a great once in a life time event that everyone should attend if given the oppertunity. Thank you for giving the oppertunity to some. Also Ms. Caruso please allow him to spend his money the way that he see fit, what is important to you may not be important to others. WE DO NOT KNOW ALL THE OTHER GOOD DEEDS that he may have done in the closet. He did this and it was reported.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Lois Tate on 12/05/2008 5:56PM
My husband has been out of work for over 7 month and I feel he needs to attend this once in a lifetime event to uplift his spirits. We both have been busy working for the NAACP Youth Councils as volunteers over 28 years. I would like to attend while I can still walk. I will eventually lose the use of my legs. Leroy my husband is 63 and I - Lois 58. Thank you in advance for whatever your answer may be.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Ben Farber on 12/05/2008 6:22PM
I am currently unemployed so cannot afford to attend the special evening. But even more important than the event itself, is the ability to meet other like minded people, who have been moved to try extending themselves in extraordinary ways.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Carmen Dixon on 12/05/2008 6:16PM
***Update***: IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BEING ONE OF MR. STAFFORD'S GUESTS YOU MUST EMAIL THE FOUNDATION AND TELL THEM YOUR STORY. THE EMAIL IS:
INAUGURATION@THESTAFFORDFOUNDATION.ORG
Mr. Stafford is also working with THE URBAN LEAGUE to help identify attendees. You might want to reach out to your local chapters as well. CD
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Kathy Winn on 12/05/2008 6:28PM
Thank you Mr.Stafford. We want to go together my college freshman twins daughters,my Son who is a 28 years old and his fiance (to be married in July) and supporting the whole family,me ,my sick mother, the twins. I have not work in over a year except two months. We can volunteer their or anytime after. My full time job is job hunting. We need a break. God Bless you for what you are doing for whoever you choose.
Reply to this Comment | Report This