"This is not a fundraiser," Trump told reporters in Norwood. "I turn down a lot of money."

But earlier Friday, a sign outside the event directed donors on how to contribute.

"Please have checks made payable to: Donald J. Trump for President, Inc. or cash ready on entry. Thank you," read the sign, which was later taken down after Trump's campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski, saw a CNN report.

Although the sign was taken down, several smaller signs depicting the same message remained at the check-in booth.

Hope Hicks, a Trump campaign spokesperson, said the campaign is paying for the event, which is why they are taking the money. But Ernie Boch Jr., a local car magnate who is hosting the event at his home, told CNN that he was paying for the event.

RELATED: Trump allies quietly seek money from rich, anonymous patrons

"Oh sure, (the money) goes to the campaign, sure, the checks are made out to Donald Trump," Boch told CNN. "I don't know that it would cover the cost of the event but we haven't really discussed it."

He added, "I am paying for the event tonight. I have invited my friends and acquaintances, and it started as a fundraiser but it kind of morphed into something bigger."

Asked later about who was paying for the event, Hicks said the campaign was reimbursing Boch and that's why they were taking money. Hicks followed up in an email, saying the campaign was paying for the event and "any small contributions will go directly to covering the cost of the event."

Trump has disavowed raising money for his campaign, saying it is a corrupting influence on politics. He nevertheless has several super PACs and a political nonprofit group, which can accept unlimited contributions from donors, supporting his campaign.