President Barack Obama has recruited some NBA heavyweights to help him raise some much needed campaign funds. Find out who will be joining Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul on the court and read the letter the President and First Lady sent to Heavy D's family inside....

The White House has announced that President Barack Obama’s re-election campaign (Obama Victory Fund) will host more than two dozen NBA players for a fundraising basketball game next month. Among those slated to appear are Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks, Ray Allen of the Boston Celtics, Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat, Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant, New Orleans Hornets guard Chris Paul and Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard.

Dubbed the "Obama Classic Basketball Game,” the event will be held on Dec. 12 in Washington and tickets will range from $100 to $5,000 for courtside seats.  Love this fundraiser!

In other White House news....

President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama made their presence known at the homecoming services of hip hop icon Heavy D this week.  The First Couple sent a letter to the family. The letter was read by Heavy D's 11-year-old daughter, Xea Myers, and said, in part,

"We extend our heartfelt condolences at this difficult time. He will be remembered for his infectious optimism and many contributions to American music. Please know that you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers."

And in a very touching moment, Xea added that her father "was still here, not in the flesh, but in the spirit."

After the services, Usher said,

"Silently he's been influential in a lot of our careers.  His love still lives on."

And Diddy added,

"He became my friend. He became my brother, and I'm not talking about friend-brother like we cavalierly use the word, I'm talking about a real friend, a real brother.  Somebody I shared my dreams and my secrets with, somebody that's been there for me at my lowest point, my darkest hour when nobody wanted to be beside me."

"The Overweight Lover" will indeed be missed.