Joe Biden's inaugural committee is asking for $1 million donations for 'preferred viewing' online as it asks people to stay away from the Capitol and the Mall
Joe Biden's inaugural committee won't let the coronavirus and a mostly virtual gathering get in the way of the quadrennial tradition of sending out big bucks solicitation of donors for the festivities.
This time, with the Biden inaugural committee drastically scaling back in-person events, the pitches are seeking cash donations and promising photos, 'preferred' viewing option online - and VIP tickets to a 'future in-person event.'
The inauguration will have fewer than 1,500 official guests viewing the swearing-in at the Capitol, organizers revealed Wednesday, compared to the usual 200,000.
Joe Biden's inaugural committee is raising funds for events that will be mostly virtual
Less is known about how the Presidential Inaugural Committee for Biden will organize any additional celebrations. But it is still seeking funds.
Donors at the highest level, Chairman, give up to $500,000 per individual or $1 million per organization. That gets an invite to a virtual event with Biden and first lady elect Dr. Jill Biden, along with one with Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and second gentleman Douglas Emhoff.
Also included are 'virtual signed photos, 'preferred viewing for the virtual inauguration and 'sponsorship opportunities.
Also promsied is VIP participation in a 'virtual concert' during inauguration week.
An official invite states contribution levels and various perks
Some of the events will be virtual, including a concert
REMEMBER WHEN?Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden arrive together at The Inaugural Ball at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on January 21, 2013
The event promises video signed photos from Biden and future first lady Dr. Jill Biden
To schmooze in person, donors will have to wait. But the top level will score four VIP tickets to a 'future in-person event' at a 'date to be determined.'
Exclusive merchandise will be provided. And during the pandemic Biden is describing as a dark winter, there will be virtual briefings with top inaugural officials as well as former campaign leadership to pass the time.
Lower level donors give less but get less. Vice Chairs cough up $250,000 and score two of the VIP tickets. Champions give $100,000 but get 'general admission' to the future in-person event.
A $25,000 contribution gets the concert invite and the virtual briefings.
The planned events were in stark contrast to prior inaugurals. President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attended three official inaugural balls. Each year there are numerous unofficial balls as well, as well as luncheons and other events.
The Obamas made it to 10 inaugural balls in an inauguration that also drew a huge crowd of onlookers – with spectators jammed into tunnels trying to reach the Capitol.
An email blast to 'grassroots' supporters said there will be opportunities for them to participate: and earn stickers.
'In the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing ways for grassroots donors to own different pieces of the inaugural celebrations, from special events to attend, exclusive contests to enter, and more limited-edition stickers and commemorative keepsakes to claim,' it said.