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Hollywood Shells Out for Obama's Big Day

A-listers fork over $50K for events

By Wesley Oliver,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 31, 2008 1:52 PM CST

(Newser) – A blackout hit Barack Obama’s Hawaii vacation home last week, but his inauguration next month will be lit up with plenty of star power. Hollywood A-listers have been shelling out top dollar to help pay for the president-elect’s big day, Politico reports. Donors include Halle Berry, Jamie Foxx, Steven and Kate Spielberg, Sharon Stone, Berry Gordy, Tom Hanks, and Jeffrey Katzenberg—who contributed $50,000 each.

Magic Johnson and comedian Christopher Guest also chipped in with $25,000 each. But don’t feel left out: The stars' contributions only cover inaugural events and parties. Taxpayers foot the bill for the actual ceremony on Jan. 20.
With the Capitol in the background, a worker paints the center stand of the inaugural platform, at the west front of the Capitol in Washington.
With the Capitol in the background, a worker paints the center stand of the inaugural platform, at the west front of the Capitol in Washington.   (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
With the White House in the background, workers continue to build the Presidential inauguration reviewing stand in Washington.
With the White House in the background, workers continue to build the Presidential inauguration reviewing stand in Washington.   (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Early morning preparations continue for President-elect Barack Obama's Inaugural Reviewing Stand on Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2008.
Early morning preparations continue for President-elect Barack Obama's Inaugural Reviewing Stand on Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2008.   (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)
Steven Spielberg and his wife actress Kate Capshaw have donated $50,000 to Barack Obama's Presidential Inaugural Committee.
Steven Spielberg and his wife actress Kate Capshaw have donated $50,000 to Barack Obama's Presidential Inaugural Committee.   (AP Photo/Evan Agostini, file)
Construction work continues on the presidential inauguration stand on the west side of the United States Capitol on Capitol Hill in Washington, Monday, Dec. 29, 2008.
Construction work continues on the presidential inauguration stand on the west side of the United States Capitol on Capitol Hill in Washington, Monday, Dec. 29, 2008.   (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Halle Berry arrives at Elle's 15th annual Women in Hollywood event in Los Angeles on Monday, Oct. 6, 2008.
Halle Berry arrives at Elle's 15th annual Women in Hollywood event in Los Angeles on Monday, Oct. 6, 2008.   (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
Shannonals
Jan 2, 2009 5:16 AM CST
Damn, 2009 and Corona_king is still attempting to spread his trash. Funny, for a individual who complains so much, is constantly talking about McCarthyism, and praises President Bush with every other comment, I'm amazed he hasn't left the country yet
TerrifiedCitizen
Jan 1, 2009 5:28 AM CST
I knew as soon as I seen the headlines on this that the stupid CK would be on it like stink on S___.
TerrifiedCitizen
Dec 31, 2008 7:42 PM CST
Re: "Taxpayers foot the bill for the actual ceremony on Jan. 20." I see. Does that also include paying for Rev. Rick Warren and Rev. Joseph Lowery?

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Barack Obama • Hollywood • Steven Spielberg • Tom Hanks • inauguration • political donations • President Obama • Inauguration Day

 
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