George Clooney's fundraiser for Barack Obama

Longtime Democratic activist George Clooney will host a fundraising reception for presidential candidate Barack Obama on May 10. Tickets cost no less than $40,000 per person, and 150 privileged people are expected to attend the media event.

The movie star, nicknamed "Gorgeous George" in the United States, has been invited several times by the Obamas since they moved into the White House in 2009; notably to discuss the issue of Sudan, for which the actor has been very involved. He also received an invitation from Barack Obama to the state dinner organized last March in honor of British Prime Minister David Cameron.

Democratic campaign organizers have decided to hold a raffle for a few tickets to the event, with a donation of at least three US dollars required. Let the word spread among all those who fail to raise the $40,000 needed to secure a seat at this major event.

Recently, President Obama's team announced that it had already raised $53 million in March, bringing its total to $200 million since Mr. Obama filed for a second term. These sums may seem staggering, but they are crucial for funding the candidate's and his team's travel and for purchasing various advertising spaces throughout the campaign. Candidates are free to opt for public financing, but in this case, their budget is capped.