VRWC Lincoln Day Dinner

Every year, Women's Repulican Clubs around the United States organize Lincoln Day Dinners. These dinners are the primary annual celebration and fundraising event of many state and county organizations of the Republican Party in the United States. Because our club, the Valley Republican Women's Club, was chartered less than a year ago, we weren't in a position to organize a dinner last year, but this year we decided to jump in the fray and put one on. And what an event it was! From the venue, to the attendees, to our keynote speaker Alaska Governor Sean Parnell, everything just seemed to fall into place. We had many dignitaries and prominent individuals in the room, as well as some great patriots. Now, I was a nervous wreck because I wanted so much for this event to be perfect. I've spoken to groups of 2,000 or 3,000 but was more nervous about this event than any other I've been a part of. I have to say, we did a great job!

We held the event at Settler's Bay Lodge. I cannot say enough good things about the venue and the people who run it. I was a caterer when I was younger, and also managed a restaurant, and I know professional when I see it. These guys are top notch. If you ever have a chance to come to Wasilla, I highly recommend their restaurant - beautiful views and excellent food. Here is the room, all decked out.





The view from the room was gorgeous





Julie is our Vice President this year and she did a wonderful job organizing our silent auction items before the event and collecting funds afterward. Julie and other board members were on hand to keep everything running smoothly.



Our 2009 President Gayle Ann and her husband Daniel looked great



As the sun set, everyone filed into the room and the evening would begin soon - look at that view!



Sarah Palin's mom, Sally Heath, and club secretary Ivy arrived and took their seats



Governor Sean Parnell took his seat and Sarah Palin's father, Chuck Heath, came over to chat and catch up



The show is on and it's my turn to welcome everyone and get things started



Julie read a message from US Senator Lisa Murkowski who was not able to attend (she is busy in Washington DC dealing with the greenies)



Alaska State Representative for District 14 Wes Keller gave the invocation



Next, the Mayor for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, our own Talis Colberg, gave a whitty introduction of the governor



Finally, we heard a wonderful message from Governor Sean Parnell. Check out the videos below to see clips of his message





We were honored to have the governor as our keynote speaker and the club gave him a gift



Our board with the Governor - myself, Julie, the Governor, Ivy, and Carol.



I was honored to have my photo with the governor





The governor had to leave for another event and after a short break, Alaska Senator Linda Menard gave a legislative update



We then had a little fun. We announced the winners of the silent auction items, then had a live auction with Don Benson as the auctioneer and I helped him point out bidders. We auctioned a glacier landing and flight seeing tour through

Here are some of the videos of the governor's speech

On Opportunity


On Republican Principles


On Healthcare Reform


For more videos from Governor Parnell, please click here.

I hope you all have had a feel for what the evening was like. It was a wonderful event and I'm glad I've had the opportunity to share it with you!

- To see this post and others by Tracey Porreca, please check out Finding Myself In Alaska