Watch CBS News

Donald Trump Speaks At $100-Per-Person Event In Norwood

NORWOOD (AP/CBS) — Donald Trump held a $100-per-person campaign event — which he repeatedly insisted wasn't a fundraiser — outside of Boston on Friday evening as he backpedaled on his previous pledge not to accept contributions for his campaign.

"This is not a fundraiser tonight, just so you understand," Trump told reporters at the sprawling Norwood property owned by local car dealership owner Ernie Boch Jr. A combination of die-hard fans and those curious to see the spectacle were treated to food from chef Tony Ambrose and a live cover band, in addition to a speech from the billionaire businessman and Republican candidate.

Trump said the money raised was only being used to offset the costs of the event and said people attending could choose to pay whatever they wanted.

Trump event
Hundreds attend event for Donald Trump in Norwood (WBZ-TV)

That's despite multiple signs that were posted at the property's entrance telling those arriving, "Please have cash ready or make checks payable to: Donald J. Trump for President, Inc." and "Entry Fee $100 Per Person."

Trump sign
Sign outside Donald Trump event in Norwood (Photo credit Kim Tunnicliffe/WBZ)

Boch says he brought Trump to Norwood because national Republicans ignore Massachusetts.

"I thought it would be good to bring Trump here to talk to people, to listen to him, to think about what he says and they can decide whether they think it's good or they think it's bad," Boch said before the event.

Trump predicted a "great victory" in Massachusetts. "It's a great place," Trump told WBZ-TV's Jim Armstrong. "My uncle lived here, so many of my friends are living here, this is a great place."

The event comes as Trump has reversed course on his early pledge to self-fund his campaign entirely.

"I don't need anybody's money," he said in his announcement speech, declaring: "I'm using my own money. I'm not using the lobbyists. I'm not using donors. I don't care. I'm really rich."

He's now accepting low-dollar contributions.

Dozens of pro-choice activists protested Trump's appearance, holding signs and chanting outside the gates of Boch's home.

"He's bad for Massachusetts women, he's bad for women across the country," said Christian Miron of NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts. "His values are just out of step with Americans who believe that women deserve to be able to make reproductive decisions on their own."

(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.