http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/688801

Sarah Palin to speak at hospital fundraiser

Daniel Nolan
(Dec 11, 2009)
Sarah Palin is coming to Steeltown.

The Republican who shook up the 2008 U.S. election when she was picked to be John McCain's vice-presidential candidate will be in Hamilton on April 15 for a fundraiser for two hospitals.

Former HECFI head Gabe Macaluso, a member of the committee organizing the dinner at Carmen's Banquet Centre, said confirmation of her attendance just came in. More details will be announced today at a noon news conference at Carmen's.

"This is quite the coup," Macaluso said last night. "She's one of the hottest speakers on the Speakers Bureau. The demand is huge."

The former Alaska governor recently joined the Washington Speakers Bureau, which represents former president George W. Bush.

Palin will speak at a fundraiser for the Juravinski Cancer Centre and St. Peter's Hospital. Organizers hope to sell 1,000 tickets at $200 a plate, but raise more via photos with her.

Reports say Palin makes $200,000 a speech. Macaluso couldn't say the exact amount, but said that's "around the ballpark."

dnolan@thespec.com

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