Barack Obama is making his first visit to Los Angeles since announcing his candidacy for president -- and it's going to be a very busy and financially-productive visit.
Along with a public rally to be held at a L.A. recreation center, Obama will also be attending a series of fundraisers, including a breakfast in Hancock Park, a lunch hosted by members of an investment group, a star-studded reception at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, and a small dinner party with the fundraising co-chairs of the Beverly Hilton event to be held at David Geffen's Beverly Hills house.
The cocktail reception is expected to bring in over $1 million dollars. Among those contributing $2,300 (the allowable maximum donation) are actors Jennifer Aniston, Denzel Washington, Eddie Murphy, Tom Hanks, Christine Lahti, and Bruce Willis. Studio chiefs and producers contributing are Michael Lynton (Sony), Brad Grey (Paramount), Ron Meyer (Universal), Peter Chernin (Fox), Richard Cook (Disney), and Brian Grazer, as well as Jim Wiatt of William Morris, Richard Lovett of Creative Artists, producer/director Thomas Schlamme, and Larry David.
The dinner at Geffen's home is for people who helped raise at least $46,000 for the event. About 40 people, mostly part of the Hollywood contingent, will get the chance to get up close and personal with the candidate.
"The level of enthusiasm and the breadth of the support have been amazing, especially for a candidate many people here haven't met yet," Andy Spahn told the Huffington Post. Spahn is a political advisor to Steven Spielberg and Jeffrey Katzenberg, who organized the fundraiser along with their DreamWorks partner Geffen. According to Spahn, the groundswell of excitement around Obama has been unprecedented. "Presidents come into town and raise this kind of money, not candidates that have just announced. These are Bill Clinton numbers."