Fund-raiser aids Huntsman, schools, tsunami victims

Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.'s first fund-raising dinner helped finance his inauguration and transition, but it also had a charitable tone.

Huntsman also used the black-tie party at the Salt Palace as an opportunity to help victims of the "extraordinarily tragic" tsunamis that affected some 5 million people in 12 countries.

When addressing the more than 700 people who attended, Huntsman used a Chinese aphorism to describe his mood: "When family is happy, then all is well under heaven."

Then, he added a more somber note: "We also need to remember those who need help."

Huntsman said $50,000 had been raised by those attending the dinner to help in disaster relief efforts—on top of the $250-per-plate admission.

While no firm numbers were available, Greg Hopkins, director of transition, said the event raised about $200,000 to $250,000. The bulk of the proceeds were to cover the estimated $150,000 to $250,000 cost of inauguration and transition.

Max Farvman, chairman of the inaugural committee, said $10,000 from the proceeds raised would go to tsunami victims and $10,000 would go to Utah's schools.