A web designer from Chicago; an international development specialist from Virginia; and a human resources manager from Colorado...UPDATE: The post about the dinner
Obama 2012 has announced the names of the winners of the online contest to join President Obama and former President Bill Clinton at a Gala Dinner fundraiser on Monday night in New York City. The winners, who donated as little as $3 for their chance to attend the $35,800/plate dinner, are Francisco Maldonado of Illinois; Rachel Klick of Virginia; and Joe Ardito of Colorado. They and their guests will meet 44 & 42 tonight at The Waldorf Astoria, and will also attend the 'Barack on Broadway' fundraising concert at the New Amsterdam Theater.
Jon Bon Jovi will perform at the dinner, and his travel expenses are being paid by the campaign, according to an official.
Winner #1, Francisco Maldonado, is from Chicago, IL. He brought his wife Sue Cubberly as his guest. They run a small web design/programming firm, according to a campaign official.
Winner #2, Rachel Klick, is from Falls Church, VA. She works in international development at a nonprofit. Her guest is her boyfriend Jonathan Chevalley, from Arlington, VA. He served two tours of active duty in Iraq and now works for an event production company, according to the campaign.
Winner #3, Joe Ardito, from Estes Park, CO, works in human resources. His guest is his father, Joseph Ardito, Sr., a retired middle school math teacher from Brooklyn, NY, according to the campaign.
Coach-class airfare and a one-night hotel stay are included in the prize package. The assigned retail value is $1,650.00, taxable to the winners. They had to pass background checks and agree to be used in campaign promotional materials throughout all eternity.
Before the fundraisers with the contest winners, Presidents Obama and Clinton will speak at a private event at the Fifth Avenue home of hedge fund billionaire Marc Lasry. Tickets are $40,000 each.
