Michael Geist writes in his blog about the fundraising dinner being thrown by Sam Bulte’s Big Content snugglebuddies:

Now, despite clearly

labelling the event as a fundraiser on her own website,

she’s arguing it isn’t a fundraiser at all.  Instead, in response to

the question “How can we count on you to carry on. . . impartially when

you are taking money from special interest groups?”, the Star reports

that Bulte responded:

“They are not hosting a fundraiser for me. It’s a celebration of my support for the arts community.”

We should all be so lucky to have celebrations where each guest forks over $250. If each of you cheapskates who attended my birthday party had done that, I’d be entering this blog entry in a zignone wool suit from Harry Rosen.

Since what Sam says has often proven to be at variance with what she does, I decided to be empirical and go take a look at her site. Here’s a screen capture of her site as of 10:45 a.m. this morning:

I see the word “FUNDRAISER” in capitals, clear as day. How ’bout you?

I downloaded the invitation, which I’ve put here for your reference [80K PDF], in case someone at her campaign gets smart (unlikely) and replaces it. Here’s what the top of the first page looks like:

I believe that phrases “cordially invite you to an artists’ and creators’ fundraiser for Sam Bulte” and “All funds raised will go to Sam’s re-election campaign” strongly suggest that this “celebration” is indeed a fundraiser. If you’re still not convinced, there’s the note at the bottom of the first page that reads:

Tax receipt will be issued for the eligible portion of the cost

You can hand out tax receipts for “celebrations”? I should’ve handed some out at my legendary hot tub party!

Finally, there’s this legal statement on the second page of the invitation:

Please note the new contribution limits as at January 1, 2004: Individuals may contribute up to a total of $5,000 in a calendar year to a registered party and its registered associations; candidates and nomination contestants. Corporations and trade unions may contribute up to a total of $1,000 in a calendar year to the registered electoral district associations; candidates; and nomination contestants. Crown corporations and corporations that receive 50% or more of their funding from the federal government will not be able to make any contributions.

It’s a fundraiser, all right. What kind of idiots does she take us for?