Anyone wondering who might support the gubernatorial candidacy of Republican-turned-independent Lincoln Chafee can now take a gander at the hosts for his first fundraiser.

The list includes Republican Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian, former Republican Secretary of State Susan Farmer and her husband, former Republican Providence City Councilman Malcolm Farmer, former Senate Minority Leader Lila Sapinsley, Freshman Democratic Rep. Chris Fierro of Woonsocket, Clay Rockefeller, a co-founder of the Steel Yard arts collaborative, and Anne Nolan, president of the Crossroads homeless shelter.

Chafee has booked his first fundraising event for 6 to 8 p.m. on May 27 at the Roger Williams Park Casino, with tickets going for $250 to $1,000, depending on whether the donor wishes to be a mere "friend'' or sponsor.

Though Chafee has made his intention to run clear, the event is being booked as "a reception for his exploratory Campaign for Governor of Rhode Island.''

Democrat Fierro's appearance on the host list drew this sharp rebuke from state Democratic Party executive director Tim Grilo: "I wasn't surprised to see that Rep. Fierro was sitting alone when he announced his decision to support former Republican Sen. Lincoln Chafee. I would have advised Rep. Fierro to have considered Senator Chafee's record before so hastily and haphazardly announcing support for a candidate, who for so long embraced the ideals of the Republican Party, but who has suddenly labeled himself an 'independent' because he finds it politically expedient.

"If Chris had a little more gravitas and experience I believe he would have ultimately made a better and more well-informed decision,'' Grilo said.