POINT CLEAR, Ala. — “You’re here for the right reasons — not allowing America to descend to mediocrity.”

So said Sarah Palin, the Exceptional Foundation of Baldwin County’s featured speaker at its first major fundraiser tonight at the Grand Hotel Marriott. The foundation’s goal is to provide daily programs for exceptional participants — children 5 years of age through adulthood — that include arts and crafts activities, team sports, exercise classes, social events and music.

Palin — the former vice presidential candidate and former Alaska governor — received a warm reception from an estimated 150 to 200 guests who paid top dollar to attend the benefit dinner. She was chosen because her son, Trig, was diagnosed with Down syndrome in utero and she has since spoken in favor of special needs’ children’s rights.

During tonight’s dinner, Palin said she initially feared the “challenge” of having a child with Down syndrome but spoke of how Trig is an inspiration to her and husband Todd.

“There’s society’s measurement of perfection and then there’s God’s measurement of perfection — and at the end of the day, that’s all that really matters,” she said of the latter, receiving the audience’s applause. 

Much of Palin’s remarks veered into politics, particularly during a question-and-answer session following her keynote address. She answered the foundation’s prepared questions on issues ranging from the report of Osama bin Laden’s death — she commended President Barack Obama’s order and the Navy Seals’ actions for bringing bin Laden to justice, and credited “the groundwork laid by (former President George W.) Bush.” She also said the Tea Party movement inspires her; she picks her battles when the media attack her; and that she’s concerned about what effect the federal government’s “uncontrollable debt” will have on future generations.

As for a familiar subject — whether she will run for president in 2012 — the Republican said, "You don't have to have your name on a ballot to fight for things like that" (special needs causes). "We don't need an office; we don't need a title to do that."

The Exceptional Foundation of Baldwin County, a newly incorporated organization benefiting special needs patients on the Gulf Coast, began selling tickets last month to its first major fundraiser.

Tickets were available in the following categories: $15,000 or $10,000 for a sponsor’s table seating 10 people, or $600 for individual tickets with open seating of up to 12 people per table.

See the full story in the May 6 edition of The Bulletin.

(Staff video by Thomas Boni)