BIG WIGS RAISE BIG BUCKS FOR OBAMA
It seemed like half of Malibu turned out at the Studio City home of Hollywood heartthrob George Clooney, where everyone helped raise a record $15 million for President Barack Obama’s re-election campaign. Longtime supporters Barbra Streisand and hubby James Brolin joined Jeffrey Katzenberg and Robert Downey Jr., as well as fellow superhero Toby Maguire, Oscar host Billy Crystal, funnyman Jack Black, sexy Salma Hayek, and designers Diane Von Furstenberg and Trina Turk.
The look was casual California chic, with Ms. Streisand sporting an updated Annie Hall look, complete with statement glasses and black beret. Selma looked red hot in a body-hugging white dress, R.D. Jr. looked stylish in steel gray, and it was an occasion so grand that T-shirt loving Jack Black turned up in a tie.
An enormous tent was set up on George’s basketball court, where a who’s who of Hollywood mixed and mingled.
Celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck whipped up a delectable feast, including a tender artichoke salad, Peking-style duck, lamb and beef cheeks, sweet corn and Brussels sprouts.
One hundred and fifty guests paid $40,000 to attend the glamorous fundraising fling. The $15 million raised is said to be the largest one-night campaign haul ever.
The swanky soiree took place just a day after the president took his new stance in support of gay marriage. This position was a clear hit with the Hollywood crowd.
“Obviously we made some news yesterday,” the president told the audience to great applause. “The truth is, this is a logical extension of what America is supposed to be. It grew directly out of this difference in visions. Are we a country that includes everybody and gives everybody a shot and treats everybody fairly and is that going to make us stronger? Are we welcoming to immigrants? Are we welcoming to people who aren’t like us? Does that make us stronger? I believe it does. So that’s what is at stake.”
The president gave his pal Clooney, who recently attended the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, a lot of credit. “We raised a lot of money because everybody loves George. They like me, but they love him.”