Obama Signed Seat Bought by Gilbert Arenas

Washington Wizards star Gilbert Arenas recently donated $25,000 to Wizards Care, a team charitable organization, in exchange for a sideline chair occupied last season by President Obama.  Mr. Obama autographed the seat and the one-of-a-kind item had been scheduled to be sold at auction.  

On February 27th, 2009, the President attended the Washington Wizards vs. Chicago Bulls game at Verizon Center.   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. The President Obama signature is found across the backrest of the chair, with the official Washington Wizards logo just above it.

Wizards Senior Vice President of Community Relations Judy Holland praised Arenas and his generosity saying it was their full intention to auction off the historic item to raise funds for Wizards Care. Instead Arenas stepped up with a tremendous bid.

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 tossing the ceremonial first pitch at the Major League Baseball All-Star game. As the online auction for the Obama autographed seat was about to be announced, Arenas checked in with a bid that exceeded the financial goal for the item.