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Oprah To Celebrate Obama At Gala Fundraiser

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Sep 7, 2007 12:34 pm US/Eastern

Oprah To Celebrate Obama At Gala Fundraiser

Hollywood, Washington Heavyweights To Attend Fundraiser

 Slideshow: 2008 Presidential Hopefuls

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (CBS) ― It seems that everything Oprah Winfrey likes, America loves, and this weekend she is turning her endorsement power to politics with a fundraiser for Sen. Barack Obama's presidential campaign.

Winfrey is hosting an invitation-only crowd at her home near Santa Barbara, Calif. Guests will include a roster of Hollywood superstars and power players from Washington.

Oprah Winfrey's massive fundraiser for Sen. Barack Obama's presidential campaign is reportedly sold out.

It costs $2,300 per person to attend the event at Winfrey's mansion in Santa Barbara, Calif., on Sept. 8.

Obama has raised more than $58 million for his White House bid. Forbes magazine estimates that Winfrey, the Chicago-based host who boasts a lot more, including a magazine, is worth $1.5 billion.

Some speculation about details of the event was released in late July.

Sources said Beyonce Knowles may sing at the event, and Jamie Foxx may entertain, too. Famous celebrity Obama-backers, including George Clooney and Halle Berry are expected to show up.

Winfrey's backing is more valuable than the typical political endorsement precisely because she connects with millions of Americans who may not pay much attention to campaigns and politics. It is, in fact, one of things Obama has said he believes could give him a big boost as next winter's voting draws closer.

Winfrey is a well-known fan of Obama, calling him "my favorite guy" and "my choice" on CNN's "Larry King Live" last year before he announced he would run for president.

CBS station WBBM will be there for the party. Look for her reports on our news Saturday at 5 and 10 p.m.

(© 2007 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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