Obama's inauguration makes Washington history as nearly 2 million people crowd onto the National Mall in below-freezing weather to watch his address.
That night, the firm bankrolls an exclusive invite-only ball for Obama and 2,000 celebrity guests. Spotted at the bash are Glenn Close, Joaquin Phoenix, and Ben Affleck. Instead of charging for attendance, Google offers to match guests' donations to five nonprofits.
NEXT: Spring 2009: Making it official