HotelChatter

The Washington Post profiled Stafford in today’s edition: “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," Stafford told the Post. "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."

The package with a $1-million price tag comes loaded with goodies: two presidential suites, two vice presidential suites, 300 guest rooms (!), $200,000 in food and drinks, private access to the 12th-floor balcony under a heated tent, custom-tailored events for 450 people, and 24-hour “Red Coat Service.” Five percent of proceeds will be donated to the Amazona Sustainable Foundation.

Stafford is funding the “People’s Inauguration,” as he calls it, through his family’s non-profit Stafford Foundation. He intends for at least 30 percent of the people who will stay in his rooms to be in some way disadvantaged or needy. He’s working with the National Urban League and the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, as well as the military services, to come up with his guest list. He’s hoping someone will provide tuxes and gowns, and he’s already hired beauticians to pamper guests for the big ball.

We think this is Awesome. Seriously, we’re a little tingly.

[Photo: J.W. Marriott]