Major Harris campaign donors are set to be treated to a series of VIP events and exclusive perks at the Democratic National Convention this week. These events include private brunches, evening cocktail parties, and even a tour of Wrigley Field, as detailed in a schedule obtained by CNBC. Donors who contribute to the Harris Victory Fund, a joint Democratic fundraising committee, are granted the opportunity to attend these ritzy gatherings. With the ability to accept donations well above traditional campaign limits, these donors are contributing around $900,000 each.
The VIP week kicks off with a welcome reception at Morgan’s on Fulton on Monday evening, providing donors with a lavish start to the convention. This massive venue will host donors who will be shuttled from luxury hotels like The Ritz Carlton and Four Seasons. Donor parties are a customary part of presidential nominating conventions, serving as a pivotal opportunity for the campaign to connect with individuals who generously contribute millions of dollars. The events at this week’s Democratic National Convention in Chicago are particularly festive, reflecting a combination of pent-up energy and excitement.
Throughout the week, donors will have the chance to engage in various exclusive activities. Tuesday morning will feature the first of several brunches at the Chicago History Museum, labeled as a “Path to Victory Brunch and Briefing.” Wednesday will showcase an exclusive tour of Wrigley Field, providing donors with the opportunity to enjoy batting practice, tours, concessions, and more. The schedule also includes a reception at The Exchange, a four-star historic restaurant, ahead of Harris’ nomination acceptance speech on Thursday night.
The luxurious treatment of major donors is just one aspect of a larger donor cultivation strategy that has proven successful for the Harris campaign. This strategy has enabled Harris to secure record-setting donations, both large and small. Following Joe Biden’s endorsement last month, Harris’s fundraising efforts surged ahead of her opponent, former President Donald Trump. In July alone, the Harris political operation raised an impressive $310 million, with a significant portion of those contributions coming in after Biden’s exit from the race. This influx of funds allowed Harris to start August with $377 million in cash on hand, placing her in a strong financial position.
In contrast, the Trump campaign faced challenges in fundraising, bringing in only $138.7 million in July, a notable decrease compared to Harris’s totals. Despite having maintained a strong fundraising lead over Biden in June, the Trump team found themselves at a financial disadvantage in August, starting the month with $50 million less in cash reserves than Harris. These figures highlight the importance of effective fundraising strategies and donor relations in securing the necessary resources for a successful campaign.
The exclusive VIP donor events at the Democratic National Convention offer major Harris campaign donors a unique opportunity to engage with the campaign, enjoy high-end perks, and contribute to record-setting fundraising efforts. These events not only serve as a platform for cultivating donor relationships but also showcase the campaign’s strategy for financial sustainability and success.
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