Scott Walker Invites You to Pay $1K to Restore Mansion

'Wine and wickets' fundraiser doesn't sit well with everyone
By Kate Seamons,  Newser Staff
Posted Sep 6, 2011 6:50 PM CDT
Updated Sep 6, 2011 7:22 PM CDT
Scott Walker Invites You to Pay $1K to Restore Mansion
In this March 31, 2011 file photo, Gov. Scott Walker (R-WI) answers questions from the media.   (AP Photo/Darren Hauck)

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker is used to catching flak over all things monetary, so when he and wife Tonette decided to renovate the governor's mansion to its former glory, they (probably wisely) decided to do it without making taxpayers foot the bill. Unfortunately, they're not getting off scot-free. On Sept. 22, the couple will host an event to raise money for the rehab project: a two-hour private reception and croquet tournament that costs $50 to $1,000 to participate in—and not everyone is pleased with the move, reports the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Those who ante up the big bucks will enjoy a "private reception, private tour, recognition on the invitation, signage, and acknowledgment at the event, and admission and (croquet) tournament entry for two." Tonette is also leading the charge on a side money-maker: a purse raffle, where ladies will donate handbags filled with their most favorite things. (Tonette herself will chip in a Tignanello bag containing Bobbi Brown lipstick and Aveda lotion.) The croquet-purses approach isn't sitting well with everyone. "In the year of reducing programs like the school milk program for poor kids, I'm supposed to fill a purse with 'necessities' and donate to restore a mansion," complained one invitee. (More Scott Walker stories.)

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