Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg will host a fundraiser next month for Republican Gov. Chris Christie, the governor’s re-election campaign confirmed Thursday.

Zuckerberg is set to host the fundraiser in his Palo Alto home on Feb. 13, said Mike DuHaime, a key Christie strategist. The two men worked together in recent years after the Facebook founder donated $100 million to Newark public schools.

“They’ve known each other since 2010,” DuHaime said by phone Thursday. “They developed, obviously, a close friendship and respect for each other.”

Sarah Feinberg, a Facebook spokeswoman, told The Wall Street Journal that the billionaire and his wife, Priscilla, have “worked closely with Governor Christie on education reform in the Newark school system.”

“They admire his leadership on education reform and other issues and look forward to continuing their important work together on behalf of Newark's school children,” she said.

The newspaper reported the event is believed to be the the first time Facebook's founder has hosted a campaign event at his home.