Obama, Clinton Hit the Big Apple for Big Bucks
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iStockphoto/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — President Obama and former President Bill Clinton were in New York City Monday night for three splashy joint fundraisers expected to raise north of $3.6 million for the 2012 campaign, according to figures provided by a Democratic official.
The pair started their visit with a private reception at the Manhattan home of hedge fund manager Marc Lasry, where each of the roughly 50 guests will cut checks for $40,000 to the Obama Victory Fund — the most lucrative event of the night.
Presidents 44 and 42 then headed to the Waldorf Astoria hotel in midtown for a splashy 500-person gala that featured a performance by rocker Jon Bon Jovi.
Tickets for the gala started at $2500 apiece, according to a campaign official. The event was also to include three winners of a campaign grassroots fundraising contest that offered the chance for an all-expenses-paid trip to attend for a contribution of as little as $3.
Obama and Clinton will conclude the evening at the New Amsterdam Theater, which is hosting a “Broadway for Barack” concert. An estimated 1,700 fans are expected; tickets started at $250 each.
The concert will feature performances by Nina Arianda, Kerry Butler, Norbet Leo Butz, Bobby Cannavale, Stockard Channing, Chuck Cooper, Neil Patrick Harris, Megan Hilty, Cheyenne Jackson, James Earl Jones, Tony Kushner, Angela Lansbury, Patti LuPone, Audra McDonald, Hattienne Park, Mandy Patinkin, Patrick Wilson and Jeffrey Wright, officials said.
The proceeds from all three events benefit the Obama Victory Fund, a joint fundraising account that funnels cash to Obama for America, the Democratic National Committee and several state Democratic parties.
The trip, part of a major fundraising push by the president to kick off June, is Obama’s fourth to the Big Apple this year. He will return next week on June 14 for several more fundraisers, including one at the home of actress Sarah Jessica Parker.
With Monday’s events, President Obama has personally attended 151 re-election fundraisers for his campaign and the Democratic National Committee – a record-setting number.
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