September 17, 2008 23:12

Barbra Streisand fundraiser yields millions for Barack Obama

Hollywood stars come out to support Democratic presidential candidate

Barbra Streisand headlined a fundraiser for Barack Obama in Los Angeles last night (September 16), which raised approximately $9 million for the US Democratic presidential candidate.

The event took place at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, with each of the 800 guests paying at least $2,500 per ticket to see the long-time Democratic activist perform.

Beforehand, a smaller fundraising dinner was held for Obama, with attendees paying $28,500 each. Those in attendance at the two events included actors Leonardo DiCaprio, Will Ferrell, Jodie Foster and Jamie Lee Curtis as well as DreamWorks founders Steven Spielberg, David Geffen and Jeffrey Katzenberg, reports the Associated Press.

Obama's campaign organisers announced earlier this week that it raised $66 million in private contributions in August - a new record for any US presidential candidate in a month-long period.

Meanwhile, Republican candidate John McCain raised $47 million during the same time period.

--By our Los Angeles staff.
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