Friday, October 19, 2007

Rush Limbaugh's auction of Harry Reid smear letter makes history

RUSH LIMBAUGH'S AUCTION OF ORIGINAL "HARRY REID SMEAR" LETTER GOES FOR $2,100,100: A RECORD-BREAKER ON EBAY FOR CHARITY AUCTION

-- Mr. Limbaugh Matches Philanthropist Betty Casey's Winning Bid: $4,200,200 Goes to The Marine Corps – Law Enforcement Foundation --

LOS ANGELES, October 19, 2007 – Last week, Rush Limbaugh announced the eBay auction of Senator Harry Reid's letter that was signed by 41 Democrat Senators and sent to Clear Channel CEO Mark Mays. The auction closed today with a record-breaking winning bid of $2,100,100 for charity through eBay Giving Works.

Previously, the most expensive item sold through eBay Giving Works was the celebrity-signed Harley-Davidson from Jay Leno in 2005, which sold for $800,100. All proceeds, including Mr. Limbaugh's matched donation, totaling $4,200,200, goes to the Marine Corps - Law Enforcement Foundation, a registered charity that provides financial assistance to the children of fallen Marines and federal law enforcement officers. Mr. Limbaugh serves on the Board of this organization and has been active on its behalf since its inception.

Mr. Limbaugh stated on his nationally syndicated radio show today, "Our winning bidder, subject to the receipt of funds, is a wonderful woman named Betty Casey. As trustee of The Eugene B. Casey Foundation, she gives significant sums to hospitals, hospices, colleges and private schools. These include The Eugene B. Casey Diabetes Education Center, The Eugene B. Casey Swim Center, The Eugene B. Casey Academic Center and The Casey Home Hospice. She has also donated tens of millions from the foundation and her personal funds to the Washington Opera."

He continued to share that, "Betty has been a listener to my program since its inception, and we can't thank her enough for her support. We'd also like to thank eBay Giving Works for allowing us to break their website in the closing moments of the auction, and Auction Cause, who was our consultant in prequalifying bidders and developing the auction."

"The Eugene B. Casey Foundation believes freedom of speech is a basic right of every citizen of this country. Their purchase of the smear letter was to demonstrate their belief in this right, and to support Rush Limbaugh, his views and his continued education of us," said a foundation spokesperson.

eBay Spokesperson Catherine England commented, "eBay Giving Works can confirm that Rush Limbaugh's listing has set a new record as the most expensive item sold for charity on the site. Unique items such as Rush's letter are what make eBay a one-of-a kind experience. eBay Giving Works is exceptionally pleased to see such a generous donation going to support the Marine Corps – Law Enforcement Foundation and the good work that they do."

Mrs. Casey receives the original "Harry Reid Smear” letter with 41 signatures; the Halliburton briefcase in which the letter is secured 24 hours a day; a personal letter of thanks from Mr. Limbaugh; and a photograph of the radio personality displaying the letter on stage in Philadelphia on October 11.

For video link of Mr. Limbaugh's announcement on his radio show today, go to the homepage of www.RushLimbaugh.com.

Nationally syndicated by Premiere Radio Networks, The Rush Limbaugh Show is heard by approximately 20 million weekly listeners and airs on nearly 600 radio stations.

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