Seasons of Grace
On September 5, 2013, former President Bill Clinton paid his annual visit to former President George H.W. Bush at the Bush home in Kennebunkport, Maine.
The two men enjoyed lunch together; afterwards, there was a photo session, during which President Clinton was photographed laughing and pointing down at Bush’s flamboyant cactus-themed socks.
The photo made the national spotlight—appearing in national media outlets including ABC, FoxNews and the Huffington Post, as well as on social media worldwide.
The elder president, laughing in his wheelchair, seemed to enjoy the attention brought on by the colorful socks. It seems that Barbara Bush, though, was less enthusiastic. That’s why the socks have been donated, along with a framed portrait and a letter of authentication from President Bush himself, to the Diocese of Portland in Maine, to be auctioned off at a silent auction during the diocese’s annual Harvest Ball on October 26.
“I absolutely love a crazy pair of socks,” President Bush wrote in his letter. “Barbara, on the other hand, has had enough, which why you are the lucky recipient.”
The Harvest Ball is an annual event which helps sustain Harvest, the bimonthly magazine of the Diocese of Portland that spreads the good news and hope-filled impact of the Catholic community in Maine, and helps and supports many ministries and programs. The magazine is sent free of charge to an estimated readership of 70,000 in the state.
The Harvest Ball, which will be held on Saturday, October 26, at the Holiday Inn By The Bay in Portland, includes dinner and dancing to the music of The Tony Boffa Band. In addition to President Bush’s donation, the expanded silent auction will also feature signed items by the Red Sox, Pirates, Red Claws and Sea Dogs, artwork, jewelry and large gift baskets; gift certificates for restaurants, hotels and local businesses; and many other items.
For more information about the Harvest Ball or to register, call 207-773-6471 or register online.
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