Michelle Obama to Donors: It's 'Baller' to 'Max Out!

First lady Michelle Obama speaks about the nation's libraries and museums before handing out the 2013 National Medals for Museum and Library Service to recipients in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, May 8, 2013. (Photo: AP)

First Lady Michelle Obama was speaking with wealthy Democratic National Committee fundraisers in Manhattan Wednesday night when, according to pool reports, she became quite animated about campaign contributions.

“We need you to keep on writin' those checks!,” she reportedly urged. “And if you haven't maxed out, you know what's my motto: Max out! Let's say it again, max out! And if you've maxed out, get your friends to give and max out!”

She continued: “It sounds kind of baller too, maxing out! Everyone here should be maxed out!”

The Hill has more information on Wednesday's fundraisers:

The first fundraiser was at the Park Avenue private residence of clothing designer Tory Burch on the East side of Manhattan. About 100 people paid between $5,000 to $25,000 for the event. The second event was an LGBT Gala, where approximately 350 people paid up to $32,400 to see the first lady speak.

Actress Julianne Moore, designer Vera Wang, and Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour were among those in attendance.

Obama encouraged donors to shell out for upcoming elections, saying it was important to stay engaged in the political process even when “the excitement that comes with the presidential campaign has faded.”

“It's easy to get frustrated and to become cynical,” she said. “And now that the excitement that comes with presidential campaign has faded, it is so tempting to turn off that TV and wait another four years to re-engage. But make no mistake about it, while we are tuning out, let me tell you, other folks are tuning in.”

In her various fundraising events (she visited Boston before heading to New York), the First Lady discussed the importance of putting staunch Democrats in the Senate.

“Remember all of those times when I’ve asked you to have my husband’s back," she said. "This is one of those back-having times, right now."

As the first lady raised money out east, President Obama attended fundraisers in Chicago.

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