The first fundraisers for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign, held Tuesday, are being hosted by donors to her family’s foundation.
The former first lady, senator and secretary of state headlined a trio of fundraisers in New York as she launches what is expected to be a multimillion dollar campaign, according to a campaign aide.
The events are part of the campaign’s “Hillstarters” program, which urges donors to raise $27,000 through 10 contributions of $2,700, a smaller bundling program than other presidential campaigns.
Clinton spoke about building an economy, strengthening families and communities, fixing the political system, and national security, according to an aide.
The fundraisers were held at:
-- The home of fashion designer Lisa Perry and her hedge fund executive husband Richard C. Perry, who donated between $250,000 and $500,000 to the foundation. The event was co-hosted by Ann Tenenbaum and Tom Lee. One hundred and twenty people were expected.
--The home of Arne and Milly Glimcher, and co-hosted by Alan Patricof and Stan Shuman. Patricof, who was the finance chairman for Clinton’s Senate campaigns, and his wife donated between $100,000 and $250,000 to the foundation. Seventy five people were expected.
--The home of Doug and Agatha Teitelbaum, (he founded an investment firm) and co-hosted by private equity manager Jay Snyder and Margaret Russell. One hundred and fifty people were expected.
Clinton’s finance team, including her campaign manager, Robby Mook; campaign chairman, John Podesta; and finance director, Dennis Cheng, has held a series of meetings with hundreds of small donors along the East Coast, including Washington, Virginia, Maryland and New York.
Clinton resigned from the foundation Sunday after announcing that she would run for president a second time. But Republicans are likely to continue criticizing her for potential conflicts of interest.
The Clinton Foundation has agreed to limit its foreign donations while Clinton is running for president. Donations from foreign companies, individuals and non-profit organizations are not restricted. More than 40 percent of the top donors to the Clinton Foundation are based in foreign countries, according to an analysis by McClatchy.
“Following revelations that Hillary Clinton’s influence was potentially up for sale at the State Department, it’s no coincidence the same liberal financiers are lining up to bankroll her campaign for president,” said Allison Moore, a spokeswoman for the Republican National Committee.
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