Gov. Gary Herbert collected a cool $1 million from his first Governor's Gala fundraiser Friday night — double what he had expected.

That's good for Herbert, who has to run next year for the remainder of former Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.'s term — but bad for anyone thinking of challenging him.

"There's something about having $1 million in the bank that tends to make anybody who may be looking at it think twice," state GOP Chairman Dave Hansen said.

Nearly 2,000 people paid a minimum of $500 to eat tenderloin and scallops in the Salt Palace's Grand Ballroom before the evening concluded with Broadway-style entertainment from Utah performers.

About half of Herbert's money came from major sponsors, who paid at least $10,000 and as much as $50,000 for special recognition at the event, dubbed "Moonstruck."

The fundraiser was closed to media until after dinner, when Herbert told the crowd they all share a common vision of better days ahead for Utah, despite a few bumps along the way.

The governor joked he would be available after his speech to hear advice on dealing with the looming state budget shortfall, estimated to be as much as $850 million. Herbert also recognized that some individual Utahns are having a hard time.

After encouraging his donors "to find a cause" to help those in need, Herbert handed over a $26,000 check to the Utah Food Bank. "It's a step in the right direction," the governor said.

Herbert's "Friends of Gary" Political Action Committee came up with $13,000 of the food-bank contribution, according to his spokeswoman, Angie Welling, matching $10,000 from Rio Tinto and $3,000 from the Waterford Institute.

A "Governor's Gala" is nothing new — past governors in the state have depended on money from the annual fundraiser to boost their campaign war chests and to cover travel and other expenses not paid for from state funds.

But Herbert likely set a record for the amount of cash collected, Hansen said. Huntsman's last gala, held a year ago, brought in less than $500,000. The most expensive ticket to that event was $5,000, one-tenth of what four companies paid to be presenters at Herbert's gala.

Welling said firm figures on what was raised Friday night should be available next week. The governor's campaign Web site, www.garyherbert.com, should have a complete list of contributors posted by then, as well, she said.

Herbert has been criticized for opposing limits on campaign contributions. He has called himself "a little guy" who depends on donations and has warned that capping the amount candidates can raise would mean only the rich could run for elected office.

So far, no challengers to Herbert have emerged. Hansen said Friday's fundraiser shows the governor's strength going into next year's race.

"The thing about Gary Herbert is, everybody likes Gary Herbert. Everybody wants Gary Herbert to succeed," Hansen said. "This is an outpouring of support for him."

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