More Shared Sacrifice: Obama Birthday Fundraising Bash Costing Up to $35,800 Per Couple

No wonder Obama needs to get a debt ceiling agreement done by August 2. He's got a big party for himself on August 3.

President Obama returns to Chicago on Aug. 3 to mark his 50th birthday with fund-raisers at the Aragon Ballroom, with tickets ranging from $50 a person to $35,800 per couple, which includes VIP seating at a "Birthday Concert" where celebs will be performing and a dinner with the president.

The fundraiser at the Aragon, the historic ballroom in Uptown, will be one of the biggest third quarter events, expected to draw in national supporters. Obama's 50th birthday is Aug. 4.

The Obama team on Wednesday reported collecting more than $86 million in second quarter fund-raising over $47 million directly for the Obama 2012 campaign and more than $38 million for the Democratic National Committee.

On Wednesday night, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Obama 2012 campaign chairman Jim Messina headlined a $44 per person event at the East Bank Club.

Obama's birthday bash at the Aragon was first reported by the Chicago Sun-Times Stella Foster.

The event is multi-tiered: There is a concert at 4 p.m.--Foster said songstress Jennifer Hudson may perform--for the basic $50 contribution, of which there is supposed to be "limited availability."

For $10,000, a person gets a souvenir photo with Obama at a reception and preferred seating at the concert. For $1,000 a person gets seated in a "premium section" with a "hosted bar." A general admission ticket is $200.

I guess you need to sacrifice some more and dig into your pocket some more if you want cocktails with that measly $200 contribution.