Former President Barack Obama was in Beverly Hills, California, Thursday for a lavish DNC fundraiser at the home of a wealthy donor that included a performance by singer Christina Aguilera.
But the US’s first African American president, 56, was the real star of the show, with guests shelling out up to $100,000 for the chance to hear him speak and take part in a roundtable discussion.
Photos obtained by DailyMail.com show the former President arriving at the fundraiser, which took place amid heavy security, with Secret Service officers seen patrolling outside.
Former President Barack Obama was in Beverly Hills, California, Thursday for a lavish DNC fundraiser
Guests began arriving at 4.30pm – more than two hours before Obama – with a steady stream of luxury cars, including Rolls Royces, stretch limos and a BMW I8 sports car, seen depositing partygoers outside the white-painted mansion where the dinner was being held.
Among the arrivals was DNC Chairman Tom Perez, 56, former Governor of California Gray Davis, 75, and DNC official photographer Alex Berliner.
Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti, 47, who is reportedly weighing a presidential run, also attended.
A volunteer promoting an initiative to hospitalize homeless people who come into contact with cops could be seen outside talking to guests prior to Obama’s arrival.
Among the arrivals was DNC Chairman Tom Perez (pictured) , 56, former Governor of California Gray Davis, 75, and DNC official photographer Alex Berliner
Preparations for the lavish bash began early Thursday morning, with catering vans seen pulling up in an alley immediately behind the palatial 8,800sqft home of prominent DNC donor Allan Mutchnik (pictured)
Obama’s motorcade, which included three black SUVs, two California Highway patrol cars and six motorcycle outriders, eventually swept in just before 7pm – delivering him to a carport at the side of the home.
The cheapest tickets for the lavish bash cost $2,700, although that did not include dinner or a photo with Obama.
The most expensive tickets, priced at $100,000, included five seats at a VIP table, a picture with the former President, access to the roundtable discussion, membership of the DNC’s National Finance Committee and invites to two further ‘marquee events’ in 2018.
Obama left the event at approximately 8.45pm after spending less than two hours with donors at the gala event.
On the menu was a salad starter, followed by New York strip steak and roast potatoes, accompanied with braised endives and cauliflower purée.
Obama’s motorcade, which included three black SUVs, two California Highway patrol cars and six motorcycle outriders, eventually swept in just before 7pm – delivering him to a carport at the side of the home
On the menu was a salad starter, followed by New York strip steak and roast potatoes, accompanied with braised endives and cauliflower purée
Preparations for the lavish bash began early Thursday morning, with catering vans seen pulling up in an alley immediately behind the palatial 8,800sqft home of prominent DNC donor Allan Mutchnik, who hosted the event.
Mutchnik, 54, is the Chief Administrative Officer of Harbor Freight Tools and previously hosted a fundraiser for former Vice President Joe Biden in January 2017. On that occasion, tickets cost between $250 and $10,000 each.
Prior to Obama’s arrival, two police K-9 units were seen making a sweep of the area, which is part of Los Angeles’ uber-wealthy Beverly Hills enclave, while a maid was spotted sweeping the driveway.
Other preparations included a large booze delivery courtesy of West Hollywood family-run liquor merchant John & Pete’s Fine Wine and Spirits.
The store specializes in deluxe drinks, with prices starting at $15 for the cheapest bottle of wine, up to $299.99 for the most expensive vintages and rarest spirits, such as a bottle of Armand de Brigand ‘Ace of Spades’ Brut Champagne.
Guests began arriving at 4.30pm – more than two hours before Obama
Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti, 47, who is reportedly weighing a presidential run, also attended
Another delivery came from local instrument rental company SIR, whose workers were seen carrying amps into the property – presumably for Aguilera’s use.
Obama has made numerous visits to California both before and after leaving office, including a trip to Palm Springs immediately after vacating the White House.
On that occasion, Obama and his family – wife Michelle, 54, and daughters Malia, 19, and Sasha, 17 – stayed with former US ambassador to Spain James Costos and his partner, interior designer Michael Smith.
The former president was pictured relaxing with a game of golf close to Costos’ luxury home in the upscale resort of Rancho Mirage.
Mutchnik, 54, is the Chief Administrative Officer of Harbor Freight Tools and previously hosted a fundraiser for former Vice President Joe Biden in January 2017 at his home (pictured)
California was also one of Obama’s first stops after taking power in January 2009 – with the 56-year-old arriving just 57 days into his first term.
The former President is likely to be spending more time in Los Angeles in coming months, after announcing an exclusive deal to make documentaries and talk shows with Netflix last month.
By contrast, President Trump has visited the Golden State just once so far; his first trip coming over a year into his presidency in March 2018.
The President used the visit to inspect prototypes for his controversial border wall near San Diego and meet some of the Marines serving at Miramar – the former home of the famous Top Gun training program.
The cheapest tickets for the lavish bash cost $2,700, although that did not include dinner or a photo with Obama
The most expensive tickets, priced at $100,000, included five seats at a VIP table, a picture with the former President, access to the roundtable discussion, membership of the DNC’s National Finance Committee and invites to two further ‘marquee events’ in 2018
He also took part in an RNC fundraiser at a private home in Beverly Glen – not far from the mansion where Obama was hosted on Thursday.
California, in particular the major cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco, has long been a Democratic stronghold and voted overwhelmingly for Hillary Clinton in 2016.
Famous Democrats include George Clooney, Beyoncé, Meryl Streep and Katy Perry – all of whom have homes in Tinseltown.
The last time California elected a Republican head of state was in 1988, when President George H.W Bush secured 51.1 percent of the vote.