Beef and Burgundy raises funds for Republican candidates (Slideshow)

“We’re fundraising for the Wasco County Republican Party to help get Republicans elected locally and statewide,” Bonham said.

The fundraiser is held each year to raise money to help elect Republican candidates. The group had auction items for bidding throughout the evening. Sponsors of the event donated merchandise, vacation stays and other goods and services for the silent and live auction.

After attendees ate dinner, Palin took the stage with Helfrich to answer questions and build enthusiasm.

Palin opened with a brief backstory to her time as governor and vice-presidential running mate with Sen. John McCain. She spoke of battling corruption in local and state governments and working to make large oil corporations pay for their environmental impact. She also spoke of the importance of family and her interest in politics from a young age.

“It’s the foundation of everything that is good in our country. So yeah, it’s most important. I’m always family, faith and freedom. That’s what we’re all about,” she said.

“I was always fascinated by what our founders had envisioned and how providential and prophetic they were. Even as a kid, I knew that what they crafted for us with these charters of liberty. Our founders took care of a whole lot of problems that could be anticipated,” Palin said.