By Kristie Lau
PUBLISHED: 15:49 GMT, 3 May 2012 | UPDATED: 22:14 GMT, 3 May 2012
Kate Upton has paid $25,000 for a ticket to New York's forthcoming Costume Institute Gala Benefit, according to a new report.
The 19-year-old swimsuit model is said to have begged Vogue editor Anna Wintour, one of the event's organisers, to grant her entry to next Monday night's fundraising dinner.
The New York Post says she visited the editor's office 'recently' and presented her with a cheque in exchange for entry to the Gala, commonly referred to as the 'Met Ball.'
Wannabe: Kate Upton, pictured at the White House Correspondent's Association Dinner over the weekend, has allegedly bought a ticket to the Met Ball for $25,000 The prestigious event is staged at The Metropolitan Museum Of Art.
A source told the newspaper: 'She told Anna she would really like to attend. Then she offered to pay for her own ticket. Kate then whipped out her cheque book and paid the $25,000 for her seat.
'Anna took the cheque on the spot.'
The blonde bombshell attracted headlines earlier this week after a video of her was banned on YouTube.
Power: The model presented a cheque to Anna Wintour, pictured above at London Fashion Week in FebruaryShe has been attempting to carve a name for herself in the fashion world for some time now.
And this is not the first time the Sports Illustrated cover girl has been somewhat rejected by the industry.
She was criticised by Sophia Neophitou, a casting director for Victoria's Secret, in February.
Ms Neophitou told the New York Times: 'We would never use [Miss Upton].
'She's like a Page Three girl. She's like a footballer's wife, with the too-blond hair and that kind of face that anyone with enough money can go out and buy.'
The model's talents have, however, offered her entry into several hard-to-get-into doors.
She attended the White House Correspondent's Dinner in Washington DC over the weekend, dressed in a demure pale pink Alexander McQueen gown no less.
It was arguably a more sophisticated outfit than some of the others worn by celebrity guests.
Prestigious: The annual Costume Institute Gala Benefit, known as the Met Ball, will be staged at The Metropolitan Museum Of Art in New York next Monday nightBut the Gala is undoubtedly one of the year's most distinguished fashion events.
It is known for attracting the world's most influential style figures.
Proceeds, such as the model's alleged ticket payment, go towards financing the Costume Institute's annual expenses.
