Gilbert Arenas Donates $25,000 To Wizards Care For One-Of-A-Kind Item Signed By President Barack Obama
The Washington Wizards announced today that Gilbert Arenas has donated $25,000 to Wizards Care, the charitable arm of the Washington Wizards, in exchange for a truly one-of-a-kind item that was to be put up for auction. On February 27th, 2009, President of the United States Barack Obama attended the Washington Wizards vs. Chicago Bulls game at Verizon Center. After a seven-minute delay to start the game as The White House Press Corps cleared the game floor, President Obama sat courtside for the game. Inspired by the presence of President Obama – who was seated in ‘Gold North AAA Seat Number 2’ – the Wizards soundly defeated the Bulls that night by a score of 113-90. After the game, President Obama graciously autographed the seat that he occupied during the game. President Obama’s signature is found across the backrest of the chair, with the official Washington Wizards logo just above it.
“President Obama was so gracious to sign the chair that he occupied during the game for us,” said Wizards
Senior Vice President of Community Relations Judy Holland. “It was our full intention to auction off this historic item to raise funds for Wizards Care. However, when Gilbert found out about this unique opportunity to own a piece of history, he stepped up with a tremendous bid. Everybody is a winner because of Gilbert’s generosity.”
The Wizards and Wizards Care were set to launch the bidding process for the autographed chair on Wednesday, July 15th, just after the excitement of President Obama’s ceremonial first pitch at Tuesday night’s Major League Baseball All-Star game. As the online auction was about to be announced, Arenas checked in with a bid that exceeded Washington’s goal for the item.
Posted: July 15th, 2009 under Wizards.
Comments
Comment from jmpalomo
Time July 15, 2009 at 5:34 PM
Way to go Gilbert!
A one-of-a-kind item for a one-of-a-kind guy.
I wonder where he is going to put the chair and if anyone is going to be allowed to use it.
Comment from aznzero
Time July 15, 2009 at 6:32 PM
this should be put in the glass case near the trophy at the phonebooth
Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 15, 2009 at 7:20 PM
Holy mackerel — how much longer would it have taken the President to sign two chairs! 
Comment from vitality08
Time July 15, 2009 at 8:28 PM
Gilbert robbed me of my chance to own a piece of history.
Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time July 15, 2009 at 8:59 PM
vitality08 
Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time July 15, 2009 at 9:07 PM
SportsWiz, The planned auction of the chair signed by the President gave me an idea for Fan Appreciation Day this year: Since Fan Appreciation Day is usually the last home game of the year, it would be a very cool idea if each player/coach signed the cover of the chair they are sitting on and some lucky fans were picked to receive them. BTW, last year’s Fan Appreciation Day was terrible. It was as though we weren’t appreciated at all.
If you can convience management that it’s a good idea, I’ll tell you where my seats are and you can make sure that I get picked for ‘Dray’s chair.
Comment from getabigboyoffense
Time July 15, 2009 at 9:08 PM
Better yet…how about if each player and coach signed about 15 of the covers. What a collector’s item.
Comment from zbp18
Time July 15, 2009 at 9:28 PM
That’s a classic pic of the kid sitting next to President Obama with a GOLD Wiz Jersey the other is Gil wearing it on the NBA Live 08 cover …. Save the Gold!!!
Comment from SportzWiz
Time July 15, 2009 at 10:25 PM
gabbo, great idea! I will start getting it out there, and if it turns out to work out i will let you know.
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Comment from datonypony
Time July 15, 2009 at 5:34 PM
Hahaha Gilbert, oh well, should be a nice item for the house!