ALTUS – A few Republican candidates for governor and lieutenant governor will address a GOP fundraiser hosted by the Southwest Oklahoma Republican Women next weekend. The 16th annual Beans and Baskets fundraiser will be held at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, July 26, at the Altus Community Center, 401 Falcon Road. Doors open by 4 p.m.
Deb Davis, president of the chapter, said they’ve outsold last year’s 200 tickets and expect a crowd of at least 250 this year.
“It’s turning out to be a great event,” she said. “Everybody is really excited for them to be coming to so uthwest Oklahoma and speaking.”
Former Oklahoma Speaker of the House Charles McCall, who is running for governor, and candidates for lieutenant governor, State Auditor & Inspector Cindy Byrd and former state Sen. Darrel Weaver, are expected to attend.
Davis clarified that gubernatorial candidates Attorney General Gentner Drummond, former state Sen. Mike Mazzei, and Leisa Mitchell Haynes have said they are unable to attend.
The event will feature more than a dozen gift baskets up for auction, and this year they will add a silent auction.
“Honestly we never know what we’re getting and that’s part of the fun,” she said of the auction items. “Some people started bringing things that took up a lot of time to auction, so we added a silent auction this year.”
The fare includes homemade beans and cornbread, coleslaw, macaroni and cheese and desserts.
Funds raised support GOP candidates who have drawn an opponent, otherwise the money goes to local causes and nonprofit organizations.
Tickets are $40 apiece or $300 for a table of eight. Pre-ordered tickets are encouraged as limited seating will be available at the door. Tickets are available to order through a QR code or contact the club by emailing swoklahomarw@gmail. com.