Celebs flock to Hillary Clinton fundraisers

Since her campaign launch in early April, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has attracted wide support from the entertainment industry. While many celebrities and industry types have voiced support on social media and in interviews, others are putting their money where their mouths are. Here’s a round up of celebrities hosting and attending Clinton fundraisers:

Clinton’s first fundraiser in New York on April 28 attracted famous faces including Tony Bennett and Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen (as seen below).

Pic: Mary Kate and Ashley (!) leaving @HillaryClinton‘s first fundraiser today in NYC pic.twitter.com/pyUQ7HnZwo

— Liz Kreutz (@ABCLiz) April 28, 2015

A couple weeks later, Beyoncé attended another Clinton fundraiser in New York. The event was hosted by music mogul L.A. Reid. The Clinton campaign publicized the singer’s attendance on social media.

Say you’ll Bey on Team #Hillary2016, too: http://t.co/X1Jyv1CdKwpic.twitter.com/qRVZCONXig

— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) May 15, 2015

“No need to be idealistic when you already know what works @HillaryClinton @HlLLARY #experience pic.twitter.com/h168yIBxNZ

— LA Reid (@LA_Reid) May 14, 2015

It was announced last week that Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga are hosting a fundraiser for Clinton in New York on June 24. The event is being described as “intimate performance in support of Hillary for America,” according to Variety.

A few days later, Clinton is traveling across the river to New Jersey to raise money with rocker Jon Bon Jovi on June 29. Bon Jovi is set to perform and tickets range from $1,000 to $2,700.

Celebs Flock to D.C. for Inauguration Festivities

Washington D.C. may not have been as star-studded during this weekend’s inaugural festivities compared to 2009, but many celebrities braved the cold to celebrate and perform for President Obama’s second term celebrations.

Kelly Clarkson, James Taylor and Beyonce serenaded the First family and attendees at the Inauguration on Monday. However, it has been reported Beyonce lip-synced the national anthem with vocals she prerecorded Sunday night.

Here are videos of the performances:

Also spotted at the ceremony was rapper Jay-Z, Katy Perry, John Mayer, Eva Longoria, Stevie Wonder, Cyndi Lauper, former Boston Celtic Bill Russell, Ashley Judd and John Legend.

John Mayer and Katy Perry Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images

Jay-Z and Beyonce Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images

Singer Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson, Brad Paisley, Stevie Wonder, John Legend and Fun were among the performers at the various inaugural balls.

Hollywood ‘Demands A Plan’ On Gun Control

Dozens of Hollywood celebrities star in a new video in support for gun control for the campaign “Demand A Plan” that is sponsored by Mayors Against Illegal Guns.

Some of the celebrities include: Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Aniston, Beyonce, Paul Rudd, Courtney Cox, Jamie Foxx, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Amy Poehler, Jeremy Renner, Jon Hamm, Reese Witherspoon, Jessica Alba, Will Ferrell, Jennifer Garner, Gwyneth Paltrow, Chris Rock, Selena Gomez, Conan O’Brien, Carmelo Anthony and more.

The video comes one week after the Newtown school shootings that left 27 people dead, including 20 children.

Mayors Against Illegal Guns was cofounded in 2006 by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino. Their website states that the group is a bipartisan coalition of 800 mayors throughout the country that advocate for the prevention of gun violence.

Jay-Z Stars In New Obama Ad

Rapper Jay-Z is featured in a new ad produced by the Obama campaign. In the video, the rapper talks about President Obama‘s influence and why it’s important to vote.

“For so long, there was this voice that was silenced out there as far as exercising your right to vote,” Jay-Z says. “I think it was a voice that was silent because people had lost hope. They didn’t believe that their voice mattered or counted. …Now people are exercising their right, and you are starting to see the power of our vote. He made it mean something for the first time for a lot of people. ”

Last month, Jay-Z and wife Beyoncé hosted a fundraiser for Obama in New York City that raised $4 million for his campaign.

Jay-Z and Beyoncé Throw Bash For Obama; Raise $4 Million for Campaign

Photo credit: Obama campaign

Music power-players, Jay-Z and Beyoncé hosted a fundraiser at the rapper’s 40/40 night club Tuesday night for President Obama that raised over $4 million for his reelection campaign, according to a pool report.

According to the report, nearly 100 people attended the event and paid $40,000 a ticket.

Wearing a red cocktail dress, Beyoncé addressed the crowd and issued her support for Obama.

“I can’t tell you how proud we are to host tonight’s event with President Obama,” Beyoncé said. “We believe in his vision.”

Obama addressed the crowd and thanked the couple for their support.

“To J and B, thank you so much for your friendship.”

He then joked that his family was jealous of him.”Michelle, Sasha and Malia are mad at me because they aren’t here.”

During his address, he also shared his admiration for the couple.

“Beyoncé couldn’t be a better role model for our daughters because she carries herself with such class and poise and has so much talent,” Obama said.

“We both have daughters and our wives are more popular than we are,” Obama said of Jay-Z.  “So, you know, we’ve got a little bond there. It’s hard but it’s okay.”

Prior to the fundraiser, the President went on The Late Show and chatted with David Letterman about the campaign and some of Mitt Romney’s latest comments

UPDATE: Jay-Z and Beyoncé Hosting Obama Fundraiser

Update: The Obama campaign confirmed that the couple will be hosting the fundraiser for the president. Similar to other huge Hollywood fundraisers for Obama (George Clooney’s and Sarah Jessica Parker’s), the average person could donate a minimum of $3 for a chance to win an invite to the bash.

The Obama campaign sent out an email from Beyoncé, inviting supporters to enter the raffle that ended at midnight on Sept. 14.

Rapper Jay-Z and wife Beyoncé are set to host an Obama fundraiser at the rapper’s 40/40 Club on Sept. 18, reports the New York Post.

Tickets for the event will run at $40,000 to dine with the president and the couple. The event will be limited to 100 guests. Earlier that day, Obama is set to attend a special reception where families can pose for a photo with him after they contribute $12,500.

Previously, Beyoncé expressed her love for First Lady Michelle Obama in a letter and video. The couple were also big Obama supporters in 2008.

 

Beyonce Is Inspired By Michelle Obama

Singer and actress, Beyonce expressed her admiration for first lady Michelle Obama in a letter she read out loud in a new video produced by the Obama campaign.

“Michelle is the ultimate example of a truly strong African American woman,” she said. “Every time I see her, she inspires me, she empowers me, she encourages me.”