Atherton man is major inaugural donor Atherton man is major inaugural donor (January 19, 2005)

Thomas F. Stephenson of Atherton, a partner in the venture capital firm Sequoia Capital in Menlo Park, is one of three California residents who has given the $250,000 maximum for President Bush's January 20 inauguration.

The other two are Alex Spanos of Stockton and Elliott Broidy of Los Angeles. Five California companies have also donated the $250,000 maximum.

Californians have given at least $3.2 million to Thursday's inauguration, which will have nine black-tie balls.

The Presidential Inaugural Committee, which is staging the festivities, expects to raise $40 million to pay for events that also include the traditional parade on Pennsylvania Avenue, a patriotic pageant, pre-inaugural dinners, and a national prayer service.

Those who give $250,000 are entitled to tickets to all events featuring the president and first lady Laura Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney and his wife, Lynne. Mr. Stephenson and his wife, Barbara, are expected to attend.

President Bush will be sworn in at 9 a.m. Pacific time in the west front of the Capitol. In the inaugural parade, California's main contingent will be the Merced County Sheriff's Posse, a search-and-rescue team.

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