Washington — With fund raising lagging for former President Bill Clinton's presidential library, cash-strapped Clintonistas have taken to selling Christmas ornaments to finance the glass-and-steel structure.
For a $35 contribution to the William J. Clinton Foundation, true believers will receive a first-edition 2002 Clinton library commemorative ornament.
The foundation's Web site says that $17.50 of the purchase price is tax-deductible. Contributors can get extra ornaments for another $17.50.
An awful lot of the decorations will have to dangle from Christmas trees to build the planned 27-acre Clinton library and center, which has an estimated price tag of $200 million.
The ornament illustrates Clinton's 1996 re-election theme: the bridge to the 21st century. The ornament, which is finished in 24-karat gold, portrays the library and research center along the Arkansas River -- and near the mythical bridge to the 21st century.
"It's ugly as all hell," said one former Clinton staffer, who discovered the ornament on the foundation's Web site.
Jim Kennedy, the ex-President's spokesman, said all the money from the sales was earmarked for the library and its programs.
"All proceeds are benefiting the foundation and library, which is under construction in Little Rock," he said.
The Christmas ornament is the latest attempt to bolster the foundation's coffers. The library's planners have announced plans to publish a cookbook with their favorite Clinton-related recipes as another fund-raising tool.
The Clinton Christmas ornament portrays the future presidential library and research center along the Arkansas River �" and the mythical bridge to the 21st century.
Comments
Lawrence.com does not necessarily agree with comments posted below - responsibility lies with the relevant user alone. Read our full policy.