Sponsored message
Logged in as
Audience-funded nonprofit news
radio tower icon laist logo
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Subscribe
  • Listen Now Playing Listen

This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

News

How George Clooney Could End Up Hosting The Biggest Presidential Fundraiser Of All Time

George-Clooney-shutterstock.jpg
George Clooney. s_bukley / Shutterstock.com.

One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.

George Clooney could end up hosting the biggest one-night fundraiser in presidential history.How he ended up being chosen as the host of the May 10 fundraiser for Obama had as much to do more with the actor's pad in Studio City as his good looks, star power or loyalty to the president, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Originally, DreamWorks Animation CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg was going to host the springtime event at his home, but his new $35 million home wasn't going to be ready in time to host the prez. The organizers didn't want to host the event at a hotel ballroom, so they had to hunt for someone with a great place and a great location that wouldn't cause an epic Obamajam. Reese Witherspoon's home in Brentwood was considered, but ultimately Clooney's home in Studio City looked like the best bet.

And that turned out to be an extraordinarily great move for fundraising, because the national contest to win a spot at the fundraiser has stirred up interest all over the country. In fact, most of the estimated $10 million for the fundraiser—double what organizers expected—will probably come from people who aren't even at the dinner.

Related:
You Can Go to George Clooney's House... If You "Donate" to Barack Obama's Campaign
George Clooney to Host $6 Million Obama Fundraiser, Refuses to Sing

One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.

You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.

If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief

Make your tax-deductible donation today