Down on Their Luck to Be VIPs at Obama Ball

With the Capitol in the background, a worker paints the center stand of the inaugural platform in preparation for Barack Obama's inauguration. Visitors are snapping up coveted hotel rooms for the festivities.

(Jacquelyn Martin/AP Photo)

Bringing Marginalized to D.C. Center

Stafford said the event has evolved beyond his "wildest dreams."

"When organizations and companies hear about our attempt to do good, they're asking, 'How can we do good, be part of this, make dreams come true for the underprivileged?'" he said.

His wife, Amanda, added, "We're hoping that our feeble effort to do good in America would be contagious and that other people and other organizations would look and say, 'Well, you know, things might be a little tough for us, but we can still give.'"

Related

Start your campaign ASAP to be in D.C. for the inauguration

WATCH: Secret White House Rooms Revealed

Obama: A Lot Keeps Me Up at Night

But some wonder why anyone would give so much to strangers.

Stafford, the son of a Baptist minister, said, "Someone once said if the Lord be your partner, make your plans large."

"When you seek to bless others, then you're blessed," Stafford added.

He said he is encouraging other groups to focus on the people he is inviting -- not his charitable gesture.

Stafford's wife said that knowing they've made a difference in the lives of others is reward enough.

"To see the look in someone's eyes who never dreamed that they could have this opportunity -- just looking to see someone happy and to know that we've made a difference in someone's life," she said. "I will be just looking for those happy faces."