'I ran over there to get a picture.' Jill Biden fans catch a glimpse, attend fundraiser

PROVINCETOWN - As Jill Biden, first lady of the United States, headed to Provincetown's West End by motorcade Friday, Brian McDonnell, a Provincetown summer resident, waited for her — hoping to catch a glimpse.

"I was sitting on my porch and overheard the post man saying she was coming," said McDonnell. "I ran over there to get a picture of Jill for my mother. She's a big fan."

Biden was expected to greet about 300 guests during "A Summer Reception with Jill Biden," at the home of Bryan Rafanelli and his husband Mark Walsh. Biden was the keynote speaker for the lawn party and reception, which will benefit the Biden-Harris reelection campaign. Tickets started at $500.

The first lady will also be on Nantucket Saturday to address islanders about the campaign, and her connection to the area.

Thomas Shirk, on vacation in Provincetown, decided to buy a ticket to the Friday event to support the Biden campaign.

"We need to keep this family in the White House. We see this as a way to engage in something important," said Shirk.

Local politicians look forward to hearing Biden speak

State Sen. Susan Moran, D-Falmouth, was also waiting Friday afternoon for Biden to arrive, and said she was attending the event to support the campaign. She was looking forward to speaking with Biden about local issues like the housing affordability crisis, Moran said.

"I'm here to be with community that appreciates democracy, and privacy for everyone," said Moran.

State Rep. Sarah Peake, D-Provincetown, was also in attendance.

"We are here for our democracy and this is a time of need," said Peake.

Lawn party and reception

Rafanelli, who is an event planner, told the Times that Biden's appearance gives locals a chance to connect with Biden and share in the excitement of the Biden-Harris campaign. He said guests would be able to hear Biden speak about issues that are important to her, while enjoying specialty hors d'oeuvres like mini ice cream cones, popcorn and Cape Cod Potato Chips. Locally sourced cod was also to be served for dinner.

"The Bidens are familiar with Provincetown and it feels good that Doctor Jill is excited to come out here to what we call the end of the earth," Rafanelli said. "We have a great community in general, filled with people who want to protect their family and rights for equality."

Past political celebrities to visit Provincetown include Obama, Clinton and Buttigieg

Biden isn't the first political heavyweight to visit Provincetown. In the past, Rafanelli has hosted politicians like former President Bill Clinton, and current United States Secretary of Transportation Peter Buttigieg. Walsh, who is a senior vice president at Amalgamated Bank, was previously the deputy chief of protocol during the Obama administration.

'We love her'

McDonnell, who lives in Boston during the off-season, said if he had known sooner that Biden was visiting, he would have contributed to the campaign fundraiser to support the campaign.

"I definitely would have bought a ticket. We love her," he said.

Rachael Devaney writes about community and culture. Reach her at rdevaney@capecodonline.com. Follow her on Twitter: @RachaelDevaney.

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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: First lady Jill Biden arrives in Provincetown for fundraising