Topline
Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-Vermont) said Wednesday he will donate $1.8 million to several Vermont charities after merchandise featuring the viral photograph of him huddling alone at last week’s inauguration sold out in less than a week.
Senator Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.) sits in the bleachers on Capitol Hill before Joe Biden is sworn in as ... [+]
Key Facts
Sanders took quick advantage of his viral meme by selling official merchandise featuring the image, promising to donate the proceeds to Vermont charities.
On Wednesday, Sanders told the Associated Press the three pieces sold out in five days and raised $1.8 million.
According to Sanders’ website, proceeds from the sales of two T-shirt designs will go to local Vermont charities like Feeding Chittenden, which operates Vermont’s largest emergency food pantry.
Another nonprofit slated benefit from a Sanders donation is the Chill Foundation, a youth development group that offers board sport opportunities to youth in difficult circumstances, along with other Vermont community action groups.
Proceeds from a pullover sweater will be donated to Meals on Wheels Vermont, which delivers nutritious meals to the elderly and disabled at home and serves as an opportunity for social interaction and safety checks.
Crucial Quote
“We are incredibly humbled by the extremely generous gift from Senator Bernie Sanders. For years the Meals on Wheels program has been underfunded, and we struggle statewide to serve our most vulnerable population. These proceeds will help continue to meet the ever-increasing nutritional needs of our older Vermonters,” said Courtney Anderson, the nutrition director and co-director for Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging in a statement.
Key Background
Sanders took the internet by storm last week when photos of him bundled up in his Burton jacket and homemade mittens and planted on a folding chair during President Joe Biden’’s inauguration went viral, with many users saying his appearance was relatable. “I was just sitting there trying to keep warm, trying to pay attention to what was going on,” Sanders told Seth Meyers during an appearance on Late Night With Seth Meyers.
Further Reading
Bernie Sanders’ mittens, memes help raise $1.8M for charity (Associated Press)
Why The Bernie Sanders Meme Sweatshirt Is This Season’s Best Fashion Statement And Staple (Forbes)
Bernie Sanders—And His Cozy Coat—Become Inauguration’s Instant Meme Stars (Forbes)
The Real Winner Behind Bernie Sanders’ Inauguration Look: Vermont Outdoor Gear Company Burton (Forbes)
