The event is planned for 7 p.m. at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel at 2101 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N. in Birmingham.
To attend the event, individual tickets are $250. Sponsorships of various levels are also available beginning with the bronze sponsor at $2,500, then the silver sponsor at $5,000, followed by the gold sponsor at $10,000, next the platinum sponsor at $15,000 and the cornerstone sponsor at $20,000.
Members of Rainbow Omega would not reveal whether Palin is donating her time or charging an appearance fee. It has recently been reported that her appearance fee can be as high as $100,000.
Rainbow Omega is a non-partisan, faith-based 501© (3) not-for-profit organization that provides a safe, permanent home for adults with developmental disabilities. It is dependent on donations from individuals, companies and organizations for funding.
Palin has agreed to speak at the dinner, in part, because her youngest son Trig has Down syndrome, much like many of Rainbow Omega’s residents.
Her topic is “Dreams for My Child’s Future: My Views as an Advocate for Those with Developmental Disabilities.”
Rainbow Omega founder and CEO Stentson Carpenter said Palin is uniquely qualified to speak to the group’s supporters.
“We are grateful to Governor Palin for lending her support to our organization,” Carpenter said. “As the mother of a child with a developmental disability, I am sure that Governor Palin has realized what a special blessing their family has been given and what important decisions they will have to make about his future. Few people truly understand the anguish of parents who wonder what will happen to their child once they can no longer care for them at home. It is our mission to provide lifelong care in a Christian environment, and we are certain that Governor Palin will communicate our mission in a dynamic manner.”
Rainbow Omega provides residential care, respite care, intermediate care for medically frail and aging individuals and a vocational program that fosters independence. The 231-acre campus allows 80 adults to live in large, family-style group homes and each resident is encouraged to learn new skills according to their abilities.
Residents are also welcome to participate in social activities in the community at large.
“Rainbow Omega provides a non-institutional environment that offers both a family and a community atmosphere where residents have quality care and are encouraged to grow spiritually as well as to enjoy productive, joy-filled lives,” Carpenter said.
The organization receives help in achieving its goals from such sources as a $1.1 million Economic Development Administration grant it received Thursday to help construct a vocational building to serve the job demands of disabled adults in Talladega County.
The project is expected to create 25 jobs and generate $1 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke made the announcement that Rainbow Omega had received the funds.
“The Obama Administration is committed to creating jobs, encouraging innovation and improving our nation’s economic competitiveness,” Locke said. “This EDA grant will establish a vocational training facility where adults with special needs will acquire the skills necessary to secure gainful employment and contribute to the economic activity of their larger community.”
This year, the EDA marks 45 years of public service with a goal of leading the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.
The EDA is an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce that partners with distressed communities throughout the United States to foster job creation, collaboration and innovation.
Rainbow Omega’s name means “hope in the end” and is derived from Biblical references to the rainbow as a symbol of hope and Omega, the last letter in the Greek alphabet.
For more ticket information for Palin’s appearance, visit www.rainbowomega.org or call Andrea Wilson at 256-831-0919 extension 225.
