Obama attends Estefans, Arsht Center

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (WSVN) -- Gloria and Emilio Estefan hosted President Barack Obama at a reception at their Star Island home Thursday, moments before the Commander-in-Chief stopped at another fund raising event for the Democratic National Committee.

The $30,000 per couple cocktail reception raised millions of dollars for the committee. Gloria Estefan wore a white dress and during the event, showed Obama pictures of the recent violent clashes in Cuba involving family of journalists and dissidents.

Martha Figueredo was outside the event and is pleased with Obama's visit. "I'm so glad President Obama is here. He's a wonderful man, and I love Gloria and Emilio," she said. "I think they're great Cuban-Americans, and I think this is very positive."

Meanwhile, at Obama's next stop, a group of people who oppose oil drilling off Florida's coastline protested across the street from the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, where the DNC fundraiser was held. "I think he needs a reminder that back in 2008, he promised during his campaign that he wouldn't open up the East Coast drilling off the coast of Florida," said surfrider.org activist, Greg Gordon.

While Cuba was on the agenda at the Estefans, Haiti's continuing struggle after the earthquake and the First Lady were discussed at the Arsht Center. "Took her first solo trip abroad as First Lady, her first stop was to Haiti," Obama said addressing the crowd at the Arsht Center. "The devastation moved her deeply. She also saw though the resiliency and the resolve."

The DNC raised $2.5 million, before the president flew back to D.C. All of this took place in less than three hours.

Later that night, Gloria Estefan appeared on Larry King Live to discuss the event. "The bottom line is, if the White House calls and says, 'We're coming to Miami, we'd love to do it in your house,' what more of an honor for a Cuban-American immigrant that came here when I was 2 years old, to have have the President of the United States in my home," she said.

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