Posts with the tag Inaugural Ball

5th-Grade "Chosen for Change" Inaugural Ball

Dawn Neely-Randall — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 22:59:02 EST

http://www.morningjournal.com/articles/2009/01/22/news/doc49780465d10157268679171.tnv

To share in the joy of history in the making, on the day after President Barack Obama's official Inauguration, our fifth-grade students hosted our own "Chosen for Change" Inaugural Ball. Parents designed the invitations, a legally blind mom made the corsages, a grandma made a homemade flag cake to serve 150 people, the prisoners from Grafton Correctional Institute used their calligraphy skills to make the place setting cards, a local dance instructor and community leader taught our students the waltz to perform at the ball, a Cleveland Clinic physician donated funds towards the ball, local photographers eagerly captured the event on film, our music teacher taught our young men to tie ties, citizens sent ballrooom gowns, shoes, and suit coats from across the city, and DeLuca's Place in the Park donated their elegant ballroom to house our festivities. Many "dignitaries" came to our event including our own Rep. Lundy and Superintendent Paul Rigda. And that's just the beginning! There were lots of "surprises" in store for our students (such as pics with a Barack Obama cardboard stand-up!) and a real red carpet spread before them as they made their grand entrance (along with media and news stations swarming around everywhere!) with their heads held high. This project was public education at its finest with Language Arts and Social Studies standards truly coming to life for our students. At the close of the day, our students truly felt that THEY have indeed been "Chosen for Change."

P.S. Channel 3 news came to watch our students watch the Inauguration as well. What a phenomenal experience to watch our students' reactions to their new President as he took his Oath of Office!

McKinley Elementary School

Elyria, Ohio

The Ball Awaits

James — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 16:04:22 EST

Oh happy day! What a great event to have been a part of. I watched and heard Aretha do her wonderful rendition (one great gust of wind would have taken her away, wearing that Flying Nun hat she wore), and floated in and around many important people who had actual seats in front of the podium. Security was everywhere, and kept all the rest of us kind of moving about. I did find an opening inside the line, following everyone's departure (everyone of note, I mean) and penetrated to the blue chairs which the new President and his entourage had sat in. Baby blue leather of the very softest kind. I was too slow, however, as before I could sit in it, security was on me. "Out," one of the guys said, with thumb pointed back in the direction I had come. I rose to my full height, not so tall, and waked away with dignity. One day, when my memory is a little faded, I will recall having sat in the president's chair on inauguration day.

The sun wass bright shining, the people were all dispersing, as I made my way over to the Eisenhower Building (it used to be called the Old Executive Building when I was still 'in play'). The building had not changed at all, from the outside. The lobby was different. Of course, all the security people were different. There was no more "How you doin' Strauss" with a pass-through wave, like in the old days. Now, post 911, there are many more guards, younger, and with all the metal detecting, and other investigative (and intrusive) equipment all set up. Only the old conference room chairs, where you had to sit and wait, if a call has to be made on your behalf, were still there. It was a cold lobbby, but then it had always been cold.

My appointment awaited me inside. I cleared security, just as I was told I would, but it still surprised me. I have been 'out' so long I remain uncomfortable around any and all security, especially federal security. I took the stairs to the second floor on the North side. I love the inside of the building, even if I do subscribe to Will Roger's assessment that it was the ugliest building ever constructed in the United States. Not on the inside it isn't. Not that a whole lot of people ever see the inside (except for the lobby). The halls are almost twenty feet high but narrow, with long runners on the floor. Deep blue runners with thin gold edges. The doors to all the offices are amazing. They are original, back to 1824, or so. They are about twelve feet high, and also more narrow than one would think. The doorknobs are funny. The real old beautiful ones have been kept, but are non-functional. They are a foot lower than the knew ones, which work. People were that much shorter back in 1824. We all know that, but it feels different when it is physically brought home in such a way. I knocked at the proper door I had been given the number to. A woman answered the knock immediately, and I was ushered in. The outer office was only about six feet deep but quite wide. The woman had a very small desk (kind of like the tables at the Willard's Horseshoe Bar) which she had obviously been sitting at, as there were no other chairs. She held another door open to the inner office, which opened into a square cavern. The ceilings were not dropped and the twenty foot height of them was a bit intimidating. the room was not that huge but the height of the ceiling made it feel like a small basketball court-type area. I had not remembered that.

I won't go into the meeting. The guys were there (and one woman). They were nice. They were polite. They were ever so very serious, which I tried to be too, although it was difficult for me. The real door knob I had so admired upon entry to the outer office, had had a beautiful eagle carved into it, so I asked if the office we were in was a part of the old Naval Offices which had been housed there. They told me that they were not there to make small talk (so I certainly knew I was still in the United States, because everywhere else in the world 'small talk' is used to sort of break the ice), and also that I certainly already knew what offices had been where in the building (which I did, but that still pissed me off because I did not like their presuming it, then saying it that way...but such is dominance). But the meeting went well. I did not make a fool of myself, inordinately. Not that I know of. They were kinder at the end of our visit than they were before. I don't like them and they knew that, which did not help. I still do not like them. I am not a youngster anymore, to be fooled with faux patriotic rhetoric or compliments. But I did not get any of that either, so I have no complaints. They had to listen to me, for reasons I do not know, and they did. They may contact me in the future, but it is not likely. They want to go their own way. It is just part of the game, and of life. They know it, and I know it. Somebody upstairs is new, and does not know it.

I exited the building through security, which, curiously, was nearly as tight as it was on my way in. Of course they had kept my passport, which made a stop there mandatory anyway. Amazingly, they thanked me for coming! Some of the old spirit is still left haunting that hoary old place.

The sun outside was welcome. I stood at the front of the building and took in the street and the passing people. Mild wind. Thirty degrees, or so. Not Wisconsin weather. Real degrees. No need for measurements in Kelvin. I breathed deeply. I was my own man. Obama was president. Life was good.

The Willard awaited. And here I am, back in my room. I had come back to change out of my new suit (not a Brioni, as I am not in that game anymore), and my old cashmere coat. I think I wore that coat the last time I was in the Old Executive, back in 1992, or so. It has remained beautiful. Swiss made, amazingly. I am still in my room, deciding where I am going to go. After I changed, I went back down to the Horseshoe Bar to join the after-inaugural celebration. The hotel is full to bursting with all manner of people from everywhere, and the ball starts at five, only a few hours away. The bar was full too, but my table was vacant with four empty chairs. I raced over to reclaim it, and took the same chair I had had the night before. A bartender appeared out of nowhere. "Welcome back Mr. Kristol," he said, wiping the table down, then stepping back to await my order. I could not talk, however. I was struck dumb. "You want another coffee?" he inserted into my stupid silence. I nodded, sickly. Finally, after he was gone, wedged back into the crowd, I breathed again. What had I wrought? I wished, right there, that I had not picked the Willard to stay in. That I might leave and go back to my real hotel. No such luck, however, and I was out of cash. I had not thought to replenish at an ATM. I could not take out my credit cards or charge to my room, as I was definitely not William Kristol, in name, attitude or philosophy. What to do. So I ran. I ran out on my first bill since I was a wee youngster with other young friends.

Here I am in my tiny room, hoping nobody knocks. I do not know what the charge for impersonating a New York Times Reporter/Columnist is in Washington D.C. Probably some reduced form of stalking or identity theft, I would imagine. What had I been thinking, last night? I wish I still drank. Then I would have an excuse for acting the role of a seventeen year old adolescent prankster. But I don't. I have only my insubordinate self. Only an hour earlier I had been meeting with some of the most important second line people in this country, and they listened to me seriously. And here I sit now, hiding in my room because I have acted like a total (admittedly, self-entertaining) idiot. Writing this blog. Maybe the people I met with will read this blog and nod their heads slowly. "We knew it all along," they will murmur to one another.

My dilemma does not end. In a few hours I have to decide on what to do about the Ball. I have an engraved invitation with my real name on it. I am told it is worth a thousand bucks out on the street. The question I am left here to ponder is simple. Do I chance it, try to just gut it out and attend the ball as me, or hit the street and try to make a quick thousand bucks to defray the cost of this trip. The cost's I did not really have, as the government paid. I received engraved invitations for everything from I know not who. I covered the israeli boy's expenses from the night before. So I could make a handsome profit. Of course, in the very back recess of my addled mind lays the other 'option.' I could go to the ball as William Kristol, the awful, right-wing, neocon, New York Times Columnist. The name on the invitation would merely be my 'cover.' I wonder what I am going to do.

from-the-chateau-dif.blogspot.com

National Service Day and Inauguration Ball at The El Rey Theater!

Erin Oliver — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 15:52:32 EST

Hi everybody!

I don't know if you have already heard but January 19th is also National Day of Service. This is a day to show and help the communities that we all live in, in unity in an act of goodwill and to show the whole world what kind of people occupy this country. Here in Albuquerque there are a few events going on. One event is DPNM is sponsoring a Day of Service at the Ronald McDonald House and Casa Esperanza in Albuquerque. These organizations help house UNM Hospital patients and their families while they are being treated. We will be aiding them by cleaning, painting, landscaping, home repair, detailing and anything else they can think of! (Lunch will be provided.)

If manual labor isn't for you,come by and donate anything from their wishlist:
http://www.rmhc-nm.org/help/wishlist.php

There is a food drive at roadrunner food bank drive as well.

What I am doing is 1- Donating Blood, I will be donating blood in the name of progressive change (my charity I am trying to start up) as well as others. Please consider donating blood and calling United Blood Services1515 University Blvd., N.E. Albuquerque, NM 87102
1-800-333-8037

Last and most important for me: I am picking up, and accepting drop offs of household goods, furniture, and CLOTHING and toys for The Barrett Foundation ( http://www.barrettfoundation.org/ ) to make a massive donation to them on the 19th. So if my friends here have closets they are willing to go through and toys they want to give away I will pick them up or you can drop them off at my house we are willing to pick up couches, I am donating a washer and drye and the couches right out of my living room. The barrett foundation is a vital part of the Albuquerque community. They provide housing and job training for homeless women and their children. Many of these women and children are homeless because of domestic abuse, mental illness, being laid off their jobs. So please considr doing some "inauguration" cleaning and donate.

I also wanted to address the El Rey inauguration Ball on Tuesday the 20th. I totally understand that most people within my circle of friends do not support the el rey in light of the launchpad tragedy. I am with you there. However, this ball is open to the public, you do not have to pay 1,000 dollars a plate.. you can bring your children and the proceeds are going to charity. There will be a ballott of three different charities, including mine (check out progressivechange.org) that the guests decide how to dispurse. My son is going with me. It is 10 dollars at the door 5 dollars for kids. It starts early at 6:45 so you can celebrate other balls or go to other parties. You can read more about it here http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/communityservice/gptzc2 or http://pol.moveon.org/event/events/event.html?event_id=87716&id=

Any proceeds that progressive change receives will help us to organize and fund our adopt a teacher program as well as our goal in assisting underpaid, under appreciated civil servants (like teachers, firemen, police, nurses etc) with Solar heat, Solar power and energy effeciant upgrades. On top of throwing an appreciation ceremony for these people who continue to committ to do excellent work despite a harsh economic challenges. So please join me in this.

And if you want to watch the actual swearing in, Enjoy this momentous occasion with the people who shared your joy and tears during the election.

Come join the Democratic Party of New Mexico and friends to watch the inauguration LIVE at IBEW Union Hall. We’ll meet at 9am to begin watching the morning ceremonies. Feel free to bring coffee, donuts, bagels or anything else that you may want to share with your fellow Campaigners.

• When: January 20th, 2009, 9am
• Where: IBEW Union Hall, Renaissance

Donations of $5 are requested to contribute to our Union brothers at IBEW.

So lets hope for some good weather, and a good turn out. Please repost this wherever you see fit.

Inauguration Day

David in Round Lake IL — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:29:56 EST

Hey Lake County!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What are you doing on January 20th? If you can't make the historic event in Washington D.C., there is a local event you can attend right here in Lake County.

The Eight District Democrats and Independents in conjunction with Illinois State Senator Michael Bond will be hosting an Inaugural Ball at the Byron Colby Barn at the corner of Route 45 and Jones Point Rd (Prairie Crossing) from 6:00 p.m.

Dress is Business Casual, but if you insist on formal wear, by all means do so.

We ask that attendees bring a dish to share and a non persishible food item to donate to one of the Lake County Food Pantries.

We are suggesting a $10.00 donation.

Soda, beer and wine will be provided.

Live streaming television will also be provided with all of the festivities going on in our nation's capital as well as re-broadcast of the Inuaguration itself.

RSVP to illinoiseddi@hotmail.com, 847 550 8631 or simply go to "Events in my area"tab in your Mybarackobama.com webpage.

We look forward to seeing you at the ball.

The MYBO "Neighborhood" Inaugural Ball and Celebration! -- January 19, Washington DC

Jacqueline from Mousseaux sur Seine — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 13:23:12 EST

At last, after many weeks in the planning and development stage, our very own Mybarackobama.com (MYBO) inaugural celebration event has finally found its form, nature and place, and we are thrilled and proud to announce the...

MYBO Grassroots Inaugural Ball 2009, the Social!

http://grassrootsball2009social.eventbrite.com/

We've come full circle, right back where we were supposed to be!

Initially intended to be held in a Capitol Hill church social hall -- and always imagined as an "alternative" ball --, the event grew rapidly in the early flush of euphoria and excitement of our victory in the days following the election, but through the worries and the vagaries of fundraising and just exactly how crowded Washington, DC would be for this historic occasion that we all want to witness and celebrate in a financial environment that encouraged anything but confidence, the MYBO alternative ball's future in the balance, we find ourselves welcomed by the Universalist National Memorial Church, "a liberal Christian church in the heart of the city."

The MYBO Grassroots Inaugural Ball 2009, the Social is intended, as one of our fundraising volunteers put it, to be a ball:

“that will celebrate Obama's election, and celebrate the hard work we did to get to this point – and provide a space to network with fellow Obama supporters to get "fired up" for real change, going forward.

There are tons of official and unofficial inaugural balls, but the difference is this one will be affordable (hence the need for sponsorship) and Obama volunteers will have the first crack at tickets (rather than the tickets just going to the highest bidder.)”

Universalist National Memorial Church provides us an ideal space in the community at a price that allows us to accomplish our mission -- tickets priced so that everyone who would like to attend to meet so many people with whom they have exchanged on MYBO and want to meet after all these months can afford to attend.

For tickets -- $26 per person!! -- http://grassrootsball2009social.eventbrite.com/

BYOC, or bring your own champagne! The event will include food and a bar featuring wine and beer, an assortment of non-alcoholic beverages, but if you would like to raise a toast to Obama with bubbly, please feel free to bring your own bottle, or one to contribute to the bar. You may also help us off-set bar costs by contributing a bottle of white -- the church asks for no red in their furnished parlor, sorry! --, and the caterer will accept for refund any unopened bottles they provide and we do not need to consume.

There will also be music with performances by local and home-grown MYBO talent.

Attire is cocktail or semi-formal, but please wear what makes you feel comforable. If you need to come directly from another event that doesn't permit you to dress for the evening, such as the Day of Service at the MLK Memorial Library, please feel welcome to come as you are.

Sponsors needed! Help make the MYBO Grassroots Inaugural Ball 2009, the Social a success -- become a sponsor at any level you can. Your non tax deductible donation will help with food, bar and entertainment for the evening. It's simple. The more those of you who can afford to give something more, the better the evening for all. It's The Obama Tax Plan at work, so let's put our money where our mouths are! Click here to make your donation. It's easy and fast with Google Check-out.

DC for Obama and Mayor Fenty Office's MLK Day of Service Activity (9 am to 4 pm).

The MYBO Grassroots Inaugural Ball 2009, the Social is joining together with DC for Obama, which will be collaborating with Mayor Fenty's Day of Service events and will be sponsoring supporting those in need through serving food at the MLK Memorial Library throughout the day. Please join us and take a step towards supporting others who may have less.

We will be providing further information on how you can become a part of this important day of community service and hope that you will be able to join us in taking this step to fulfil President-elect Barack Obama's call to community service.

Then, join us for a memorable evening getting to know in person so many of the people with whom you have worked, and with whom you have become friends, on MYBO.

Thank you!

Mary Ritter Jacqueline Ashton de Floris
The Organizing Committee

Please note, all ticket sales are final and non-refundable. In the event that you cannot attend, please let the organizers know so we can release additional tickets for sale. http://grassrootsball2009social.eventbrite.com/

Obama Inauguration Rhinestone Shirts- SUPER SALE

Cassandra M. Bellantoni — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 03:13:52 EST

Click on image to visit www.sexyobamashirts.com and get your special discount now.

FREE SHIPPING! Just type in "FreeShip" in the coupon code box during checkout!

Celebrate Inauguration SALE! Obama Rhinestone Shirts!

Cassandra M. Bellantoni — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 04:02:16 EST

Free Shipping- Just type in "FreeShip" in the coupon code box when checking out

Grassroots Ball Agonistes: The crisis of the people-made ball

Jacqueline from Mousseaux sur Seine — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 06:49:52 EST

Perhaps you have been checking here for news from time to time, wondering what's happening, if anything at all. I have sworn myself to a sort of discretion, a virtual white-out of news on the Ball because it is a complex and delicate business to organize, but we are in the final hours of decision-making, and we are not all of the same mind.

Wait. That's what happens in government, too.

We all felt so monolithically committed in our support for Obama, even while we fought monumentally over whether he was right or wrong to vote for the FISA bill this year, or right or wrong not to hate Hillary Clinton forever, or to pay her campaign debt, that it was always rather surprising to find ourselves in désarroi.

But that is what is starting to interest me the most, oddly; it's the process itself, how we can start with a shared dream, build momentum from one another's excitement and passion, discover our points of désaccord, experience let-down, frustration, and even anger as we encounter difficulties, set-backs and conflicts, and then -- out of respect for one another and the importance of our relationships and work -- sit down and think about how to proceed, even manage to at all because the people involved are as important to all of us as the success of the project itself.

How many times in the MYBO listservs did the atmosphere become tense, did a voice or two speak out and remind us all of why we were there, and that we hold one another in esteem, did cooler heads prevail and we go on? It's the same. It's a process that can teach us all a lot that we can use in our lives, at home, at work, in political action. Speak your heart, as well as your mind, and do it from that place in yourself.

The ball has been hard. Harder than we imagined when we started out. I suppose no one starts out imagining the obstacles, or no one would ever begin anything. Those of us working to put it all together have made many discoveries about people -- most heartening, some laughable. There are some flakes out there, and they are not all falling to the ground to blanket Chicago in snow for its white Christmas.

We succeeded, and we failed. Or, perhaps better said, we have met with success and with failure. We have raised money that can be considered significant from among the individuals supporting our ball, and we nearly did from an individual, who chose in the end not to, without ever really making that choice final, or clear. Inference is sometimes good enough, or has to be.

There have been successes that were very important to me. Yesterday, a $50 contribution arrived in the PayPal account from someone who has nothing to gain from their contribution to help make the ball happen, other than perhaps to help make sure there would be a ball for which to purchase a ticket, and at a price we can call "grassroots". That person might have thought that their $50 was "nothing" compared to others' $2,000, $1,000 or $500 (non tax deductible) donations, but that isn't how it felt to me when I heard. I felt indebted to that person and grateful for their gesture of support, that is really a gesture of belief in the dream that I had, that the other organizers had, that the more than 600 people who contacted us to get themselves and their friends and family on our list for news of the ball, when the tickets would be available had, too.

And the people who have joined us to offer their time and energy, their encouragement, their contacts, anything they had, and offered their thanks for our efforts. No matter what happens to this ball, I will carry forward their group of people like a community that will live inside me. I don't know how to visit that place, or see all those people, but knowing they are there is about enough. I know that one day there will be another project, another mission, and I will reach out to them, or they will reach out to me.

Today, we are asking everyone on our lists to go to the website and take a survey. The answers to the three questions are "Yes, I still planning to purchase tickets to the Grassroots Ball for the people of Mybarackobama.com to meet and celebrate our victory in Washington, DC on January 19, and hurry up!", "No, thank you, I have already made other plans for the inauguration," and "No. I just can't get to Washington, after all." Please have each person in your party register and take the survey so we can get an accurate number.

We need to know if 700 people sure will purchase tickets so that we can make the deposit on the space in downtown Washington with confidence. It can hold up to 1,500, and we have the option to grow the event to that capacity if ticket sales are strong.

We have become timid about committing our sponsor's money in an event that might have lost its momentum without our knowing it, especially in such uncertain times. Asking you is our best way to know if your silence has been your polite and remarkable patience, or proof of your loss of interest.

Like Barack said to us throughout the campaign, more and more frequently as the numbers coming to see him grew beyond anyone's wildest imagings, this ball was never about we, the organizers, it's about you, and it's for you if you want it. If you don't, that's fine. Personally, I can accept hearing that, but I can't as easily accept ending it all because we are worried the time and the opportunity are already behind us without having asked you if they are.

We shall see what happens today, and in the next hours, and then we will know.

For those wondering why nothing has been happening on the website, we decided spontaneously to communicate via our email lists rather than continue to promote a ball there that was at risk of not happening owing to fund-raising disappointments and their impact on the ticket prices that we could offer.

As it stands, they would be a minimum of $175, possibly closer to $200, and we would try to offer a percentage of the total tickets available at the $100 level for those whose means are limited. As we had always intended with our "Joe-the-Plumber" Ticket Plan, we would ask everyone to stop and think before purchasing and ask themselves if they really needed that $100 ticket, or if they could leave it for someone who does, each according to his conscience, and the fiscal philosophy Barack Obama laid out to Sam Wurtzenbacher in Ohio.

Thank you, everyone.

http://www.grassrootsballdc2009.com
....

YES WE CAN (CHANGE OUR DESTINY) PROJECT - NEW VIDEO!

Steve Sulkin — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 02:00:16 EST

There have been many "Yes We Can" songs and videos out there and most have not risen to the quality of will.i.am

But this NEW VIDEO, see link below to "Yes We Can (Change our Destiny)", has that same potential to inspire millions to act, to be involved, to re-engage.

Read on and help this video get to the inaugural to be played via videotape or live. I want no fame or fortune. I just want to make a difference and I know this song and video can. You'll see when you watch it.

The “Yes We Can (Change our Destiny) Project” was created to help ensure that the collective energy of 10’s of millions of people who were inspired by President Elect Barack Obama will be re-kindled on inauguration day to even greater heights (because our world needs us now more then ever).

Watch the Video and help Change Our Destiny. Be inspired.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwspAagg8uw&feature=channel_page

Inspire millions more by passing this video on. Make it go viral. Help it be played at the inaugural.

This video is the output of a singularly special experience created on a single day in Chicago by a group of people who are as talented as they are inspired.

Inspiration is the most powerful force in the world. You can help re-ignite it. We’ve seen that simple actions multiplied by millions can create real change. Your one simple action of sending this video to everyone you know, and they in turn sending it to everyone they know, will once again, inspire millions.

As President Elect Obama said on November 4th at Grant Park, we have an opportunity to put our hands “on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope for a better day.”

Join the movement. Send the video to everyone you know and ask them to do the same.

Yes We Can.

Change our Destiny.

---

The Yes We Can Change Our Destiny song and video was written, produced, directed and performed by Steven Miles Sulkin and with nearly 40 of Chicago’s and the nation’s top musicians, filmmakers and engineers. It was recorded (interestingly, though accidentally) on Pearl Harbor Day, December 7th, 2008 at The Chicago Recording Company and written on November 2nd, 2008. It is our hope (but a hope that can only be possible with your help) that this song will be played live or via video at the inaugural, so as to re-inspire 10’s of millions that “Yes We Can” wasn’t about winning an election, it was about winning back our world and shaping a new destiny.

(note: The President Elect Barack Obama footage from Grant Park is legally and fully licensed from a stock footage source).

Peace,

Steven Miles Sulkin

Michelle's Inaugural Ballgown

Marjani — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 03:11:39 EST

I saw those tacky loud ghetto burlap bag grandma jello pudding pop designs the "top" designers are trying to stuff her in for the Inaugural Ball and none of them fit the styles I've seen her wear yet.

I've seen her in classic, elegant, sophisticated (unless she's doing J Targete casual) and those designers have got the "slave-motif" going on. They didn't put a lot of thought into what they've seen her wear.

I've observed and when I was a little girl I wanted to BE a fashion designer and interior decorator. Therefore I give my Unsung and Unasked For opinion. NONE of those gowns work.

So, I give you...

Midnight Black and Deep Purple- ankle length
Black Silk Chiffon draped in back with light bow accent
Engraved Black and purple boa down front of dress from waistline has hand-sewn pearls to match pearl necklace (drop choker)

I call it Understated Drama with Pearls
It has that Roman Goddess "feel" to the bodice.

This gives her what she's done in the past with a slight bend toward the dramatic, It is certainly traditional, but off the beaten-down path for a most special occasion.

INAUGURAL BALL

Ms. Gail — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 18:37:09 EST

This is going to be a wonderful day. I would love to attend. But with me being from a one single parent home MoM. I must get ready for my child Graduation"2009". No,I don't want your pitty or poor soul. Because i'm enjoying everything that God Have able me to recieve. No i'm not saying that i don't want more in my Life. But I'm Blessed from 12:00am to 11:59pm. And very Happy to see that-Not just because he's Black, it's because he appeared to be a Straight shooter. So don't hate on him give him 8 years like all the other's before him. How do you feel?

HELP THE “YES WE CAN (CHANGE OUR DESTINY)” PROJECT

Steve Sulkin — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 21:15:31 EST

PLEASE HELP THE “YES WE CAN (CHANGE OUR DESTINY)” PROJECT

Please visit, rate and support the YouTube link at

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubuLF4ZrTFg&feature=channel_page

Others have already begun to take this song and add pictures and inspiration, see this link below as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0UWZ7uO6SA&feature=channel_page

I hope you take a moment to read this blog to understand a very important project I’m working on that I need everyone’s help with.

Here’s some background…

When I left Grant Park after President Elect Obama’s victory, I was carrying with me a “victory” song that I wrote (I’m a video producer, head of a family owned production company based in Chicago and am a pianist / professional musician).

But as I walked up Michigan Avenue on the way back to the Obama Headquarters hotel at the Hyatt, the “Yes We Did” signs caused me concern, as I’m sure it caused many people concern. Because we know all too well that the real journey still lies before us. And that if we don’t inspire the electorate again, we cannot change our world (and our world I fear is on a precipice in great need of our collective help).

So I put away my victory song, as I did not want to infer to anyone that our mission was somehow complete.

Over the next few weeks I became even more deeply concerned that all the potential energy that was harnessed by Mr. Obama would be lost forever and most of it never rekindled.

I’m a 53 year-old cancer survivor and father of four beautiful children. My wife and I endured the loss of eight babies in utero as we tried to make our family. My father lived through the holocaust in WWII in Poland. I give you these examples to tell you that I know something about both joy and suffering. But I also know that if people band together, that we can, through hope mixed with hard work and powered by inspiration, dig our way out of even the worst circumstances.

So I vowed to do my part for our country and our world by re-writing my “victory” song so as to turn it into a forward looking piece entitled

“Yes We Can (Change our Destiny)”

I got together 30 of the country’s best musicians, arrangers, director’s of photography, lighting designers, engineers and more, and on December 7th, Pearl Harbor Day (interestingly enough) spent 17 straight grueling hours laying down the music tracks and filming the production at CRC (Chicago Recording Company). At 5am, we all rolled out of there tired, but inspired.

What came out of that session surprised even me. It was as though (and I don’t mean to sound too “out there”) I was a participant in my own writing, as though inspiration was writing for me. For example, I do not typically write gospel inspired music, it is not my background. But a Pop / Gospel inspirational piece poured out of me. It’s possibly the best work I’ve ever done. I’ve sent the audio tracks to thousands who were immediately inspired beyond words. It still inspires me each time I listen to it (and typically I can't even look at whatever I created for about a year)! It’s amazingly uplifting and I believe it has the potential of inspiring millions, causing them to understand that we must all help our society by staying passionately involved. Will.i.am inspired millions of people to vote. He's a famous guy and that helped his cause. I'm not a famous guy. I'm just a guy, but I want to inspire millions of people to do something even more difficult, to keep their passion alive over the long term.

If you would like an advance copy of the song as an MP3 simply email me at Steve.Sulkin@MBMProductions.com.

Please forward the MP3, forward my passion, my words, and if you like the song and you agree with my ideas, your passion as well, to everyone you know, and implore them to do the same. This is the only way this will get out there.

On December 19th, 2008, the video will be complete and I’ll then send you a link to it. I would like to ask you simply to email that link to everyone you know, to ignite the fire that is within all of us and ask them to do the same.

In closing, I would like to say that I’m sure there are still 10’s of thousands, if not 100’s of thousands of people who care and are working hard for the common good of man. But I fear only a small percentage of the involvement of what we saw prior to the election is currently taking place.

President Elect Barack Obama is relying on all of us to come out of the woodwork again. I suspect that a "what you can do for your country" type speech is what the President elect will give on January 20th. I want to help in my small way by getting this song out there to inspire us to ask not what our country can do for us, but what we can do for our country (and our world) as the President I grew up with, when I was just five years old, so many years ago, inspired me to realize. Barack Obama has now brought that President (and more) back for me. I'm lucky enough, to once again, take part in a great moment in history.

Join Me In Helping to Change our Destiny,

Steven Miles Sulkin

Songwriter, pianist, film producer and newly self-discovered political activist

“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good people do nothing"

Obama Inaugural Balls and Parties???

Mickiboop (P.O.B.) Be the Change — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 12:56:13 EST

Are there any Obama Inaugual Balls or Parties or Watch parties going on in Northern Cal 1/20/09??? Some of us who have to work that week are still looking for events to attend. Please post or send email through this site. I'll help contribute as needed. I feel the need to share my noise ~ Thanks!

The Grassroots Ball

Gayle — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 12:26:41 EST

From: "Jacqueline | Organizing Committee | Grassroots Ball DC 2009"
Date: Sat, 6 Dec 2008 17:15:12 +0100
To: <jacqueline@grassrootsballdc2009.com>
Subject: Grassroots Ball 2009 - Update Dec 6

Hello everyone,

We know that several days have passed without further news of the ball proceedings, and those of us who are working on organizing, fund-raising and the like want to let you all know where we stand.

After a flurry of early activity to take requests for information, get everyone's names on our emailing list, get a functional website up and available, conduct a search for an available space in Washington capable of accommodating at least 2,000 people, set fund-raising in motion to work to guaranty a deposit on that space and help to off-set the event's costs for ticket prices, and send out preliminary calls for help with graphic design and entertainment, things have shifted gears as we have entered the contract stage. The quiet on the outside might look like nothing is happening, but we are working on a contract with the Reagan Building people and getting the finances in order.

We're also paying close attention to word that the Inaugural Committee is considering grassroots events, and we have had conversations with people close to the campaign that may open the possibility of coordination and cooperation. Their own plans are only just beginning to formulate, and we want to be sure to take all information into consideration as we move through our deliberations.

Please bear with us, if you can but just a little bit longer, and we will be in touch with everyone with further word.

Also, if any of us has neglected to reply to an email (I am afraid that I have let a couple requests for information slip), we apologize. This project has generated a significant number of emails from people with questions and looking to see where we are, and while we try to reply to each and every one, I know I miss the occasional email.

Concerning sponsors, we'd like to send out the appeal one more time. If anyone can sponsor the event at either the $500, $1,000 or $2,000 level, or knows of anyone who might be able to, please bein touch with us. Every sponsor helps to bring the ticket prices down in keeping with a "grassroots" event. We'd be happy to get you the sponsorship benefits information. A couple of you mentioned people you know who might be interested. We'd be happy to get a copy of our sponsor solicitation letter to you for them. Thanks again, on behalf of all of us, to those of you who have become sponsors.

Thanks for your patience.

Best,

The Grassroots Inauguration Ball 2009 Organizing Committee
Mary Ritter, Russell Miller, Jacqueline Ashton de Floris

How Tall Is Obama's Grass

** Maria Isabel ** — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:32:06 EST

Hey You ~ How about a Grassroots Inaugural Party?

"Party": groups acting together, leaning more towards the effort of staying active and organized for Barack as volunteers, reather than to have an extravagant celebration Ball. A scaled back approach to the gathering, being that our country is at war and our economy is the pits.

Here is where we are ~ We have a local Maryland and Virginia kick-off committee, submitted a formal request to the official Inauguration Committee to include our gathering as an official event, have a local event organizer already doing research, found location options including the Convention Center, and have a list of several entertainers to choose from.

The "Party" theme is a promise to continue our community involvement, tickets will be $200 per person, dress code is relaxed.

The Maryland kick-off committee is looking for volunteers to spearhead the event, and you do not have to reside in Washington DC.

If you are interested in attending and purchasing a ticket, or would like to offer your event coordinating talent as a volunteer in one of the committees please send an email to: obamatallgrass@gmail.com.

If you do not wish to attend the party, but would like to be one of the sponsors for the event, indicate your intentions on your email.

Obama Love,

Maria Isabel

Grassroots Inaugural Ball 2009 -- We're getting there, Yes we are!

Jacqueline from Mousseaux sur Seine — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 23:05:38 EST

Hello MYBO people!

It's time for another update on the Grassroots Inaugural Ball 2009! Some of you would say past-due...

A number of people have been working very hard, and there is some big news to announce to you.
....

Where's it going to be? When's it going to be?

The date and location of the ball have been decided!

Our very first Grassroots Inaugural Ball 2009 will be on January 19, the night before the inauguration, at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center on Pennsylvania Avenue. That's right on the Inaugural Parade route, between the Capital and the White House. The plan is that after the Ball ends, people will be able to go right out in large groups and stake out space on the parade route, or over on the National Mall where there will be giant TVs -- a night vigil, awaiting the Inauguration. This is not only symbolic, but also practical, since 4 million people are expected to descend on Washington Tuesday morning to see the Inauguration. We'll have a head start. The space can accommodate around 2000 people, and we expect to sell out quickly.

(By the way, Monday night is a traditional inaugural ball night--we'll be one of many such events, and we're hoping we can get the President-elect and Mrs. Obama to drop by and greet the folks who worked so hard throughout the last 18 months.)
....

Sponsors and Underwriters

The only thing holding us back is making the deposit on the Reagan Building. We are still hoping for those among you who feel that you can to step forward and help sponsor the event. Your sponsorship assures us and everyone attending the ball of two things:

First, that we can make the $52,000 deposit on the Reagan Building. We are getting close, thanks to those who have stepped up to sponsor and underwrite the event (and we will get the list of underwriters and sponsors onto the website), but we need more of you to get us all the way there. To date, we have some $45,000 in pledged monies. Not bad! It's starting to come in too, now that... wait, that's for later.
Second, lower ticket prices. Every penny (those still exist, right?) of sponsor and underwriting money will go to one ultimate goal: bring the ticket prices for the event as low as we can.

Just to be 100% clear: a couple people have asked if non-sponsors will be able to purchase tickets, and the answer is yes! The whole point of sponsorship and underwriting is to make sure that a certain number of tickets will be able to be offered at a lower price in general sale.

What does your sponsorship get you again?

At the $2,000 level: 4 free tickets to the event, publicity space in our program and on the website, and a very special sponsor gift.

At the $1,000 level: 2 free tickets (Surprise! The holidays have come early! Yes, the is retroactive to those of you who have already sponsored. That was fun!), publicity space in our program and on the website, and a very special sponsor gift.

At the $500 level: 1 free ticket to the event (Yes, you, too!), publicity space in our program and on the website, and a very special sponsor gift.

Below $500 level: Pre-sale ticket access, mention in our program and on the website, and a sponsor gift.

Disclaimer: Your donation is not tax-deductible. We apologize, but it takes the IRS up to a year to review new non-profit applications, and they can always refuse you. Since we don't have the luxury of that kind of time, we've had to just proceed with non-profit status.

We'd also to thank Corinne Carson for spear-heading the "high-roller Obama donor" research project. Corinne and a group of MYBO volunteers have taken on the job of using public information on the largest Obama campaign donors to help us identify additional individuals to contact to solicit sponsorship help for our event. The team includes (and I hope I have missed no one) Deborah Burke, Georgina Osorio, Giovanni Sce, Jessie Bochert, Kim Roberts, Mark Habeeb, Marlene Smith, Mary Hicks, Maxine Sears, Pam Jarvis, and Vickie Togans.

If you can give some of your time to help us out on this, please reply to this email, and we'll get you in touch with Corinne and set-up. We need to get as much done as quickly as possible to help us get the sponsorship and underwriting in. The faster we can do this, the faster we can make our projections for total budget off-set from contributions, establish our ticket prices and get them up for sale for y'all.
You betcha'!

If you or someone, or a business or organization you know would like to be an underwriter?

We would be glad to offer our underwriters the opportunity for publicity during the event, including signage, a space named for themselves or their company or organization, distribution of informational materials, and prominent recognition of your underwriting in all Grassroots Ball publicity materials, in addition to publicity on our website.

We will work with each underwriter to develop a publicity package tailored to the level of your underwriting support and publicity needs.
....

And, la pièce de résistance! (It's okay, French is okay again, we're friends!)

When can we get onto the website?

Now! Just click on this link, or cut and paste the following url into your web browser address line: http://www.grassrootsballdc2009.com/

That means that for those of you who have sponsored, but hated the thought of ordering a bank wire transfer of funds (we don't blame you), PayPal is up and working!

For those of you who might be tempted once you are on the website, please, please do! It will be so greatly appreciated. We will know who you are from the PayPal documents emailed to us, but feel free to let us know so we can tell you how much we appreciate your donation on behalf of everyone, and then thank you again later, once the paperwork is forwarded to us.

Please be sure to register so that you can participate in the Forum as soon as it is up and running, too.

There is also a link to Change.gov, right in the comfort of our own website!

Adrienne Williams, our volunteer web manager, has put in a lot of time and effort to make this happen, along with Karen, who contributed the graphics. A big thank you to Adrienne and Karen!

Mary, Russell and I promise to get our photos and bios up on the About Us page, just as soon as we find a few spare moments!
....

Calling all graphic designers!

Please reply to this email if you can volunteer your skills to help us with:

a logo design competition (we have some criteria for the logo, logo-type and colors that we will share with you. The logo will be put out to everyone for their vote, but the Organizing Committee retains a majority vote!),
help with signage design for the event, program layout and design, buttons and bumper stickers, and
the coordination of logo-merchandising for us to offer as sponsor gifts and to make available to everyone for sale to further off-set the cost of the event. We have some MYBO volunteers offering their assistance and some contacts to give you.

For this last, we have to hit the ground running Monda to allow for order, production and delivery time.

Please submit samples of your work with your reply. Thank you!
....

One last thing...

Calling all singers, bands, folk, blues, and jazz artists!

Our very own first Grassroots Inaugural Ball 2009 wants to build the base of its ball entertainment on you. Our base was solid enough to get Obama elected, so... please reply to this email with samples of you performing (video, music file, etc.).

The Reagan Building space allows as a range of different venues, from the 600-seat amphitheater for larger performance and multi-media and image/video presentation -- like Meredith Wheeler's Bridge Project, and we are looking for additional submissions to run during the night -- to a dance floor with raised stage, the monumental amphitheater foyer, and several more intimate spaces for quieter cabaret-style performance and conversation.

We're getting started now reviewing submissions -- no promises made -- but we will listen/watch and get back to you as soon as we can.

We'll also be looking into some local artists and possibly some big names (don't get your hopes up too high now) for your enjoyment.
....

And now, we turn you over to the website: http://grassrootsballdc2009.com!

Thanks for all your interest, support, encouragement, help and your donations -- we are the ones we have been waiting for, and without you, this wouldn't be happening. We need you.

Yes We Can!

The Grassroots Inaugural Ball 2009 Organizing Committee
Mary Ritter, Russell Miller, Jacqueline Ashton de Floris

Grassroots Inaugural Ball 2009 -- We're getting there, Yes we are!

Jacqueline from Mousseaux sur Seine — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 22:58:00 EST

First, that we can make the $52,000 deposit on the Reagan Building. We are getting close, thanks to those who have stepped up to sponsor and underwrite the event (and we will get the list of underwriters and sponsors onto the website), but we need more of you to get us all the way there. To date, we have some $45,000 in pledged monies. Not bad! It's starting to come in too, now that... wait, that's for later.
Second, lower ticket prices. Every penny (those still exist, right?) of sponsor and underwriting money will go to one ultimate goal: bring the ticket prices for the event as low as we can.

a logo design competition (we have some criteria for the logo, logo-type and colors that we will share with you. The logo will be put out to everyone for their vote, but the Organizing Committee retains a majority vote!),
help with signage design for the event, program layout and design, buttons and bumper stickers, and
the coordination of logo-merchandising for us to offer as sponsor gifts and to make available to everyone for sale to further off-set the cost of the event. We have some MYBO volunteers offering their assistance and some contacts to give you.

Grassroots Inaugural Ball 2009 -- Help us make it happen, Yes we can!

Jacqueline from Mousseaux sur Seine — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 19:41:57 EST

Hello MYBO People,

The very first Grassroots Inaugural Ball 2009 -- originating right here in MYBO -- has a challenge for 40 people in our network of campaign volunteers.

We are trying to secure a venue in Washington that is convenient, on the Metro with space for more than 1000 people, and we are trying to do this for what is regarded as the inauguration that will be the most widely attended in our nation's history. Everybody wants to be there to witness this historic event and celebrate, and maybe nobody more so than those of us here on the MYBO listservs. Obama's Internet Army soldiers.

It's really, really hard to get space in Washington right now, and MYBO has done it. Almost.

So, The Challenge.

We are on the verge of signing a contract for a venue, and to do it we need 40 people to kick in $1,000 so that we can be ready with our check for the down payment before someone else beats us to it.

Your underwriting of the down payment not only assures us the space to hold our very own Grassroots Inaugural Ball 2009, it will cover $40,000 of our total budget. Think of yourselves as part of Barack's tax plan. That top 5% that will help to reduce ticket prices and make our ball more affordable for everyone--most especially for the 95% of MYBO who need a break after all the donating to the campaign!

What else will you get? You will receive:

assurance of the purchase of two tickets -- yes, the guarantee that there will be two tickets reserved for you to purchase and use or give away -- to what is shaping up to be the most sought-after party in Washington for our candidate's installation in the office of The President of The United States of America [we can all shout for joy right here, right now before going on],
mention on our website and advertising or publicity space in an eventual program,
a very special sponsor gift, and
a once in a lifetime chance to show Washington what MYBO is and what it means to American politics.

The Electronic Republic is here, and it works. You betcha'!

What else, you ask?

The undying thanks and devotion of everyone who wants this ball to happen. You can also choose one of our sponsor gifts, once we figure out what they will be.

We need this as quickly as possible. Don't think it over. Reply right away to Russell Miller, our treasurer, at Russell@grassrootsballdc2009, and we go to contract to have a ball!

You don't have $1,000? That's okay.

If you have $500 to help us underwrite the ball, we can guarantee you:

1 ticket to purchase,
mention on our website and in an eventual program,
and a sponsor gift.

And If you don't have five hundred dollars to get the ball rolling, don't worry. We'll be rolling out other sponsor levels, and tickets will be available shortly at a range of prices that make sense for every working American. (We revere the Constitution, but we're breaking the law of supply and demand.)

This ball is going to be for EVERYONE—or at least as many as the fire codes allow.

Thank you!

Jacqueline Ashton de Floris, Mary Ritter, Russell Miller

Members, Organizing Committee

PS: Money Where Our Mouth Is Department—All three of us are already in as sponsors. It's lonely out here, but we know it won't be for long. Join us!

PPS for shy folks: You can be anonymous sponsors if you like!

PPS: Your sponsorship is not tax deductible.

Grassroots Inaugural Ball 2009 -- Help us make it happen, Yes we can!

Jacqueline from Mousseaux sur Seine — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 19:17:24 EST

Hello MYBO People,

The very first Grassroots Inaugural Ball 2009 -- originating right here in MYBO -- has a challenge for 40 people in our network of campaign volunteers.

It's really, really hard to get space in Washington right now, and MYBO has done it. Almost.

So, The Challenge.

Your underwriting of the down payment not only assures us the space to hold our very own Grassroots Inaugural Ball 2009, it will cover $40,000 of our total budget. Think of yourselves as part of Barack's tax plan. That top 5% that will help to reduce ticket prices and make our ball more affordable for everyone--most especially for the 95% of MYBO who need a break after all the donating to the campaign! What else will you get?

You will receive:

assurance of the purchase of two tickets -- yes, the guarantee that there will be two tickets reserved for you to purchase and use or give away -- to what is shaping up to be the most sought-after party in Washington for our candidate's installation in the office of The President of The United States of America [we can all shout for joy right here, right now before going on],
mention on our website and advertising or publicity space in an eventual program,
a very special sponsor gift, and
a once in a lifetime chance to show Washington what MYBO is and what it means to American politics.

The Electronic Republic is here, and it works. You betcha'!

What else, you ask?

The undying thanks and devotion of everyone who wants this ball to happen. You can also choose one of our sponsor gifts, once we figure out what they will be.

We need this as quickly as possible. Don't think it over. Reply right away to Russell Miller, our treasurer, at Russell@grassrootsballdc2009, and we go to contract to have a ball!

You don't have $1,000? That's okay.

If you have $500 to help us underwrite the ball, we can guarantee you:

1 ticket to purchase,
mention on our website and in an eventual program,
and a sponsor gift.

This ball is going to be for EVERYONE—or at least as many as the fire codes allow.

Thank you!

Jacqueline Ashton de Floris, Mary Ritter, Russell Miller

Members, Organizing Committee

PS: Money Where Our Mouth Is Department—All three of us are already in as sponsors. It's lonely out here, but we know it won't be for long. Join us!

PPS for shy folks: You can be anonymous sponsors if you like!

Our Grassroots Inauguration Ball 2009 -- Update

Jacqueline from Mousseaux sur Seine — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 10:46:36 EST

Dear MYBO volunteers,

This is to let you know that a core organizing committee has formed and has been working round the clock since Friday to get our Grassroots Ball 2009 off the ground .

We have chosen a URL for the event, the website is being developed and will be ready to go soon, we are negotiating with venues and are working to solicit sponsors and underwriters to help keep the ticket price as low as we can make it.

This last is an urgent need, and anyone interested in sponsoring, purchasing advertising in the program, underwriting, or investing to help us raise the down payment on the venue should get in touch with one of us right away.

We need to rasie $40,000 before the end of next week to secure our venue big enough for a couple of thousand Obama-supporter volunteers to celebrate the fruits of our hard work, and, for many, finally meet face to face. That may sond like a lot, but remember, it was all our little donations that put Barack over the top!

If you are a fundraiser or have experience as a volunteer doing fundraising for a charitable organization, have the time right now and want to take this on, please let us hear from you! We can help put together a team to assist you.

We have been approached by a promoter who wants to take the event on with total control and financial backing, but our concern was that the event be divested of it "grassroots" significance. Like we have said throughout the campaign, we can do it, Yes.We.Can!

Reponse for this event has been staggering. Our goal is to accommodate as many wishing to attend as possible, but we can see that demand will outstrip the capacity of any facility we can find. There are as many wishing to come as worked so hard throughout the year, and we have replies from all over the country.

A group is organizing satellite The People's Balls throughout the United States. They seem to be organizing from Maryland for Obama on MYBO, for anyone interested in checking that out and organizing something in your area. We will try to get an AV set-up to watch simutanous events in DC and elsewhere from our own, and broadcast ours on live streaming video.

Anyone who has specific skills to volunteer -- particularly people in the DC area -- who can be "on the ground" and has the time, grit and flexibilty to jump on this, please be in touch. We need to move very, very quickly to make this happen. Make it clear in your subject line that you are offering help and with what.

Once the website is up, we will put the word out so you can check it for information and the announce date for ticket sales. We can no longer accept any requests for reservations by email.

Please contact one of us if you are a volunteer field organizer for the campaign.

Thank you!

Jacqueline Ashton de Floris, Mary Ritter, Russell Miller

Members, Organizing Committee