Gov. Jim Doyle announced Tuesday his inauguration celebration was able to raise more than $233,000 for charity.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Wisconsin will receive the funds, thus marking the first time a Wisconsin governor’s inauguration has raised funds for a non-profit organization.
“Other states have used their inaugurals to benefit programs in the past, and I am proud that we will be able to do this in Wisconsin,” Doyle said. “I believe the inauguration should be an event for all the people of Wisconsin.”
By working with the Boys & Girls Club, Doyle was able to realize his vision.
The Boys & Girls Club assisted in the celebrations, donating their facilities for events such as interfaith breakfasts in Madison and Milwaukee, and helping at a public ball at Monona Terrace.
“The fact that we were able to raise more than double what we had hoped for is truly a testament to the generosity of the individuals and businesses that helped make the events possible,” Doyle said.
Doyle’s non-profit inauguration committee solicited the donations from private donors and businesses.
As promised, Doyle’s offices released a list of donors to his inauguration. Jay Heck, of the political watchdog group Common Cause in Wisconsin had said it was important for Doyle to do this.
“Some of the groups that will be paying for these events will be groups that have business in the Capitol, so the key is to make a distinction that the money they are giving to the inauguration is not money intended to influence legislation,” Heck said.
Wisconsin businesses such as Johnson Controls, Miller Brewing Company and Forest County Potawatomi donated $25,000 to the event, and Alliant Energy, We Energies and Madison Gas and Electric donated $10,000.
