Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders became a hard-to-escape meme sit in a chair looking cold and to wear some styling mittens to President Joe Biden's inauguration on January 20. Sanders' image brought out more than just laughter. The sale of a bobblehead and sweatshirt based on the now famous photo raised thousands of dollars in donations to the Meals on Wheels hunger-fighting program. And now the mitten maker steps in herself with a sock design that also helps a hunger charity.
Sanders' stoic image was edited in famous photos, regional jokes, classic movie scenes and more. And of course products related to the photo followed.
Jen Ellis, a schoolteacher in Vermont, made Sanders mittens, and although she no longer makes it, she announced on Wednesday that she was working with a sock company to make a sock inspired by the now famous look.
"I'm working with Darn Tough Socks to make a sock inspired by Bernie's gloves !!" Ellis wrote. "100% of the proceeds go to the Vermont Foodbank! I took a quick look at the design and it's AMAZING! Hang on!"
I am very happy to announce my new collaboration! I'm working with Darn Tough Socks to make a sock inspired by Bernie's mittens !! 100% of the proceeds go to the Vermont Foodbank! I saw a little glimpse of the design and it's AMAZING! Stay tuned! @DarnTough @VermontFoodbank
- Jen Ellis (@vtawesomeness) January 27, 2021
"I don't want to bend over too much, but we knew Jen was a teacher because she taught some of our children," the company said in a tweet. "Kind soul. Wondered if we could help her mission to support the community. Absolutely. And her kindness can be rewarded."
I don't want to bow too much, but we knew Jen was a teacher because she taught some of our kids. Nice soul. Asked if we could help her mission to support the community. Absolutely. And their kindness can be rewarded. But that's between her and us. https://t.co/auQDgyejel
- Damn tough Vermont (@DarnTough) January 28, 2021
The socks aren't the only product linked to the Sanders meme that raises money for charity.
The day after the inauguration, Sanders' official webshop was taking pre-orders for a $ 45 crew neck sweatshirt featuring the iconic image, dubbed the "Chairman Sanders Crew Neck". The shirt was sold out immediately. Two t-shirts at $ 27 each were added later and are also sold out. The website states that 100% of the proceeds will go to Meals on Wheels Vermont.
And a bobblehead from Sanders' opening pose comes from the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and the National Bobblehead Museum. The Hall of Fame even tweeted its own version of the meme, saying, "Bernie Sanders came to see us today!"
Did you catch Bernie Sanders' viral moment during the inauguration? Well, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and the National Bobblehead Museum in Milwaukee now have a bobblehead for that fun occasion. https://t.co/px0Z3pV3ny
- TMJ4 messages (@ tmj4) January 21, 2021
According to WWLP-TV, the bobblehead is already the company's second-best figure, just behind that of Dr. Anthony Fauci. The Hall of Fame also donated $ 10,000 to Meals on Wheels Vermont, the broadcaster reports after Sanders' webshop took over.
