The people told of the event, who requested anonymity to speak about private conversations, said Christie — who was spotted at Trump Tower on Friday morning — worked personally with Trump to arrange the reception.

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One person close to Trump described the fundraiser as a “favor” to Christie as he works to erase his debt, as well as an opportunity for Trump to connect with friendly New Jersey and New York Republicans who could be helpful in raising money later this year for GOP candidates nationally.

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An adviser to the Trump campaign confirmed that the business mogul would attend.

An adviser to the RNC confirmed that the national party was not involved with planning the event but said that the RNC and Trump campaign officials are engaged in talks about a joint-fundraising agreement.

In an invitation first obtained by the Wall Street Journal on Friday and later by The Washington Post, the event is listed as a 5 p.m. “rally” on May 19 at a National Guard armory in Lawrenceville, N.J., which is close to the governor’s mansion and a few miles from the state capitol. Tickets will cost $200.

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The invitation says that "all contributions" will benefit Christie’s campaign. But the people who are familiar with the event's genesis said money will also go to the state party.

The planning for a finance-related stop comes after the Trump campaign announced Thursday that it had hired a national finance chairman, Steve Mnuchin, who has ties to Wall Street.

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Christie’s campaign ended in February with more than $200,000 in debt, following a disappointing finish in the New Hampshire primary. He endorsed Trump later that month and has since become a confidant of the Republican billionaire, appearing with him at rallies and serving as a liaison to party leaders.

Christie, a two-term executive in a state that gives enormous power to its governor, has also urged his deep network in the state to get behind Trump ahead of the state's June primary.