The Pinellas County Republican Executive Committee’s annual Lincoln Day Dinner is set for March 12 at the Hilton Carillon Hotel in the county’s Gateway area. The event is the party’s biggest fundraiser.
This year’s goal for the dinner is $200,000. Last year the group raised $140,000. Because it was an off-election year, however, that amount was record-breaking for the local party.
Pinellas County Republican Party Executive Committee Chairman Nick DeCeglie said the group expects more than 500 guests this year for its self-proclaimed star-studded event.
The group hasn’t announced speakers yet. However, DeCeglie said they expect at least one top official from Florida and are hoping to feature a top-tier candidate for president. The dinner falls three days before Florida’s Presidential Preference Primary.
The event, named after Abraham Lincoln because he was the nation’s first Republican president, draws party loyalists including grassroots activists and top donors. The event is held each spring near Lincoln’s Feb.12 birthday.
A VIP reception is set for 6 p.m. with the general reception and silent auction beginning at 6:30. Dinner begins at 7:30.
The event is black tie.
