USA TODAY International Edition
Bernie’s meme- able mittens warm up charities
BURLINGTON, Vt. – You, too, could have a pair of mittens like the ones that propelled Bernie Sanders into instant meme- dom. Or, perhaps a T- shirt displaying the picture of Bernie at the presidential inauguration that inspired the internet frenzy.
The merchandise capitalizes on the popularity of the moment but also provides an opportunity for a much longer impact, because money from sales will support Vermont charities.
Jen Ellis, the teacher who created Bernie’s mittens, made three more pairs this weekend after she finished grading report cards, she said.
A blue and navy blue striped pair is being auctioned to benefit Passion 4 Paws Vermont, a foster- based dog rescue organization.
The auction lasts until Friday at 7: 39 a. m.; as of Monday morning, the price was up to $ 1,776 on eBay.
Blue and white mittens are being auctioned off for Outright Vermont, an advocacy group for LGBT youth. The auction ends Friday at 5 p. m. and was already at $ 1,500 Monday morning.
Executive Director Dana Kaplan said in a news release: “This is a thrilling opportunity to spread much needed warmth for LGBTQ+ youth in Vermont and beyond! The meme of 2021 bringing awareness to young folks,
many of whom are in the depths of isolation and disconnection, being celebrated and recognized.”
Bidding for the mittens takes place on the Charity Auctions Today site.
The multicolored mittens Ellis is auctioning off are for her daughter’s college tuition. Tuition- free college and canceling student debt have been among Sanders’ major policy efforts.
Sunday, on Twitter, Ellis said: “Bernie Sanders called me earlier today to tell me that the mitten frenzy has already raised an enormous amount of money for Vermont charities. I am not authorized to disclose the amount yet- but it’s BIG and it’s amazing! Thank you!! Gen
erosity brings joy.”
The Vermont senator’s own campaign has gotten in on the action and produced several shirts depicting the now- iconic image of Sanders in a folding chair, bundled up to keep warm.
One regular T- shirt, a women’s Tshirt and a sweatshirt, all in black, were offered through the Sanders campaign site. The T- shirts sold for $ 27 and the sweatshirt for $ 45.
All of the proceeds support various Vermont charities, including Feeding Chittenden, Chill Foundation and Vermont Community Action centers.
The inventory for each of the shirts was listed as sold out Monday morning.