Thursday, 4:30 PM
Corporations pony up for Patrick inaugural
By Andrea Estes and Stephanie Ebbert, Globe Staff
Governor Deval Patrick raised $1.9 million in private donations to cover the cost of his inauguration -- the most expensive in the state's history -- mostly from corporations, law firms, developers, and others who do business in the state.
The inaugural committee said Friday it has so far paid $1.07 million in bills covering key inaugural events -- including the gala at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, the outdoor swearing-in, and the regional inaugural celebrations. Organizers are expecting to receive additional bills, but say they will end up with a surplus of at least $300,000 -- if not substantially more.
"We just don't know what the bills will be," said John Walsh, who ran Patrick's transition team after his election. "It's possible and I hope the number will be higher," he said. A committee will be set up to distribute the surplus to charity.
Any surplus will go to organizations that "foster local civic engagement, advance personal development -- especially by empowering youth -- and emphasize individual responsibility to the committee..." according to a statement. Special consideration will be given to charities with small budgets -- under $3 million.
Among the top donors were auto insurance companies Arbella Insurance Group, Commerce Group, Liberty Mutual Group and Hanover Insurance Group, which each donated $50,000. The only others who gave $50,000 were The Beal Companies, Comcast, Simon Brand Ventures and State Street Corporation.
