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'Inaugurabilia' Reaps $2M for Ceremonies

Ceremonies fully funded by trinkets, donations

By the Associated Press

Posted Apr 22, 2009 11:31 AM CDT

(AP) – Barack Obama's inauguration fundraisers had no problem capitalizing on a hot market for keepsakes. Obama-themed clothing, jewelry, rulers, and piggy banks raked in a grant total of $2 million for the inaugural committee. Even before the tchotchke change, the committee was already debt-free—the $53 million in individual donations disclosed earlier this week put total fundraising well ahead of the $50 million cost of the swearing-in.

A shirt showing Obama is seen displayed for sale at a souvenir shop in Paris last month. (AP Photo/Muhammed Muheisen)

A spectator in Washington waves a souvenir Barack Obama flag prior to the inauguration. (AP Photo/Evan Agostini)

Flip-flop footwear bearing the image of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama are shown last fall in downtown Denver. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

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'Inaugurabilia' Reaps $2M for Ceremonies

Ceremonies fully funded by trinkets, donations

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Barack Obama • sales • inauguration • souvenir • President Obama • Inauguration Day

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'Inaugurabilia' Reaps $2M for Ceremonies

Ceremonies fully funded by trinkets, donations

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Barack Obama • sales • inauguration • souvenir • President Obama • Inauguration Day

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Detroit Bust Would've Been Better Than Bailout

Ex-Prez Bush says bailout his idea, and a good one

Obama Unveils $3.8T Budget, Targets Rich

Budget would institute 'Buffett Rule,' boost infrastructure

White House to Budge on Birth-Control Mandate

'Accommodation' for religious employers will likely be announced today

Small Donors Gave 48% of Obama's 2011 Donations

That's more than double the proportion from 2007: analysis

No Child Left Behind Waiver Granted to 10 States

At least 28 more plan to seek one

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Newser By Users

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