Gov. Palin’s Speech Raises Record Amount for CSU Stanislaus

Governor Palin was well-received by the attendees at the soldout CSU Stanislaus gala at which she spoke last night.  She gave an excellent speech, full of substance and lightened with humor, that appealed to the academic community to be part of the solution in getting America back on the right track.  A 34-minute video of her speech can be found here.

Patty Guerra at the Modesto Bee (h/tp C4P) reports:

Sarah Palin discussed civic education, freedom of speech and her infamous “bendable straws” demand at California State University, Stanislaus, on Friday night. In a 34-minute speech, she poked fun at controversy sparked by the March announcement she would appear at the public school and the outcry over her confidential contract, a portion of which students said they found in a university Dumpster. “Do I have my straws?” she said, referring to her contract with the school’s nonprofit foundation. She said that she felt sorry for the Washington Speakers Bureau, which on her behalf negotiated “with the entire state of California.”

[…]

Her visit was met by a daylong protest; about 100 critics chanted slogans and carried signs labeling her “Sinister Sarah.” Another crowd carried signs supporting Palin.

Inside, a prolonged standing ovation greeted the former Republican vice presidential candidate and Alaska governor as she entered the dining area.

She repeatedly referenced Ronald Reagan’s optimism. She said she felt a kinship with the farmers in the room because she’s the owner of a family fishing business.

She called for a return to common sense in the country and took President Obama to task for what she sees as soft views on the war on terror and immigration.

“We must embrace our entrepreneurial drive, and allow America to remain the world’s standard-bearer for excellence,” she said.

Palin took a shot at those who have launched an investigation into the finances of the university’s nonprofit foundation in response to her confidential contract.

“Attorney General Jerry Brown and friends, this is California, do you really not have anything better to do?”

Her presence kept Turlock buzzing throughout the day.

Even as waiters set the tables, protesters gathered and the guest of honor landed in Modesto, people were trying to get into the dinner.

“My phone has been ringing off the hook all day with people still wanting tickets,” Foundation President Matt Swanson said Friday afternoon.

The gala brought in $450,000 gross. University officials estimated they spent $190,000 and got $50,000 in in-kind donations, such as drinks and supplies.

Black, gold and crystal table settings, white flowers, lights and gauzy drapes transformed the university’s cafeteria for the $500-per-ticket event. Swanson said the foundation sold about 370 tickets, in addition to several higher-priced sponsorships.

Guests dined on a five-course dinner that included buckwheat blini with smoked salmon, caprese salad, seared scallops and filet and halibut. They were greeted with a signed copy of Palin’s autobiography, “Going Rogue,” on each seat.

[…]

The next most successful fundraiser — outside of donations for buildings, endowed chairs and the like — was a concert by actor Gary Sinise’s band that grossed $200,000, Swanson said.

A third of the proceeds immediately will go toward scholarships, Shirvani said. He will consult with his development team on what to do with the rest of the money.

“We have so many needs,” he said.