Partying for Kamala: Young Hollywood Rallies at L.A. Nightclub Fundraiser
As Kamala Harris secures her position as the presumptive Democratic nominee, grassroots efforts to support her campaign are kicking into high gear. One of the most notable events is a fundraiser hosted by a group of young professionals in West Hollywood. This article explores the background of these fundraising efforts, the details of the upcoming event, and the broader implications for Harris’s campaign.
The Roots of Young Political Fundraising
Early Efforts and Successes
The concept of young professionals organizing fundraising events for political candidates is not new. In 2010, during Kamala Harris’s run for California attorney general, a group of young professionals hosted a fundraiser at a now-defunct Los Angeles nightclub called h.wood. The event was a massive success, drawing hundreds of attendees for a $45 door fee. Todd Hawkins, then event co-chair and current leader of Hawkins Mikita, recalls, “The nightclub was so packed out, she had to stand on top of a table in order to be heard.”
Gen44 and Beyond
Hawkins has been instrumental in organizing various young political organizations since 2006, starting with Gen44, a group that supported Barack Obama with fundraising events and casual outings. Gen44 evolved into Young Professionals for Hillary Clinton, Young Professionals for Joe Biden, and now, Young Professionals for Kamala Harris. These groups have successfully raised over $10 million from small donations, demonstrating the significant impact young voters can have on political campaigns.
The Energy and Excitement Around Kamala Harris
Cultural Influence and Viral Moments
Kamala Harris’s campaign has generated considerable excitement, particularly among younger voters. This enthusiasm is evident in viral videos, TikTok memes, and cultural moments like Megan Thee Stallion performing at a rally in Atlanta. Hawkins notes, “The excitement of the culture around Kamala Harris is evident in what we’re seeing right now. She knows that the importance, power, and energy of young people is so necessary to campaigns.”
Upcoming Fundraising Event: A Dance Party for Kamala
Event Details
Hawkins, now serving on Harris’s National Finance Committee, is spearheading the first grassroots fundraising event for Harris’s campaign since her endorsement by President Biden. The event, “A Dance Party for Kamala,” will be held at The Abbey, a legendary West Hollywood nightclub, on Thursday, August 1, at 8:00 p.m. This inclusive event aims to attract a diverse crowd, with tickets priced at $25 to encourage high turnout.
Special Guests and Influencers
The event will feature special guests and influencers, including Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Darren Criss, Colton Underwood, Jinkx Monsoon, Ashley Park, Vincint, and others. The presence of these celebrities underscores the importance of engaging with young voters and harnessing their enthusiasm for the campaign.
The Urgency of the Campaign
Rapid Organization and Future Plans
Hawkins emphasizes the urgency of organizing these events quickly, given the short timeline leading up to the election. “We’re trying to quickly organize. In the past, we had two years ahead of the campaign to prepare, and now we only have 100 days or less. So we thought we’d kick off the movement with an easy dance party that’s open to everyone.”
Upcoming Events
In addition to the dance party, Hawkins and his team are planning more unique fundraising events, such as Artists for Kamala and Chefs for Kamala. These events aim to engage various communities and provide opportunities for everyone to contribute to the campaign.
The Financial Landscape of the Campaign
Fundraising Goals and Challenges
While the grassroots efforts are impressive, Hawkins remains cautious about the financial challenges ahead. He notes that it takes $1 billion to run for president and that former President Trump raised $400 million in 48 hours following the assassination attempt. Despite these challenges, there is a sense of confidence and excitement within the campaign. “There’s confidence and excitement and we want to make sure everyone has something that they feel they can do and an opportunity to contribute,” says Hawkins.
