The Kimmel appearance this evening came on the heels of a sold out fundraiser at Will Smith’s house earlier in the day. The $2,500 to $40,000 a ticket event this afternoon at Smith and his wife Jada Pinkett Smith‘s Calabasas home attracted about 300 guests. It was co-hosted by Salma Hayek, Smith’s business partner James Lassiter and his wife Mai. Roc Nation president Jay Brown and his wife Kawanna, head of Magic Johnson Enterprises and Lady Gaga’s manager Troy Carter and his wife Rebecca were also co-hosts. CAA’s Rick Hess and America’s Got Talent host Nick Cannon were also there, Deadline has learned. Read the edited and condensed White House Pool
Around 250 people packed the place, some of them well-known personalities such as Salma Hayek and other families who co-sponsored the event, which was focused on highlighting President Obama’s work and the need to continue receiving the support they have obtained so far from successful personalities who live in the area.
Mrs. Obama arrived just after 1:30 pm but the pool was not brought to the reception area until 2:30. Once there the pool could only listen to the First Lady’s speech but not the presentation made by Ms. Jada Pinkett Smith. When the pool arrived, Mrs. Obama was standing behind the podium, from which they could not distinguish whether she was wearing a dress or a blouse and skirt set.
“I want to start by thanking Jada for that very powerful, touching, beautiful introduction. Back at you, truly — truly. (Applause.) It has been a privilege to get to know Will and Jada and their beautiful family. They have stepped up for us in so many ways, and it has truly just been a gift and a blessing to have you guys as friends and as part of our lives.” [From White House Press Office’s Official “Remarks by the First Lady at a Campaign Event]
The First Lady began her presentation by highlighting the time remaining until Election Day. During her speech, those present showed their enthusiasm to support the campaign. On more than one occasion they exclaimed “four more years!” while clapping at the First Lady’s comments and observations. Her remarks were based on the values that she and the president have inherited from their families and taught their daughters.
Upon completion of her speech the crowd rose to applaud and began to leave. Members of the pool were the first ones to leave.
Michelle Obama’s visit to LA comes one day after President Barack Obama was briefly in town for a TV appearance himself on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno. The last time the First Lady was in town for campaign fundraising was on August 12 when she attended events at the homes of Warner Bros head Barry Meyer and No Doubt singer Gwen Stefani. She also got in a late night visit that time too. Mrs. Obama appeared on Leno’s Tonight Show with Olympian Gabby Douglas on August 13.
Related stories