By Kathy Covey

Excitement escalates as a group of Orange county young people prepare for a special dinner welcoming Governor Gregg Abbott at the Orange County Expo Center on Saturday, March 17.

“I’m excited to have the privilege to meet the Governor and be a part of what’s going on,” Kyler Walton said. “Not what the average 17 year old gets to do. This is an honor!”

The event is a “Lincoln Reagan Dinner” sponsored by the Orange County Republican Party.   The idea to recruit area young people to serve the Governor, along with other dignitaries, came to several party members as they contemplated how to involve and invest in the youth of today. When word came that Governor Abbott was coming to Orange, the event became far more than a fundraiser; it became an incredible opportunity to reach out to the community and stir excitement in the young people, the future of our great state. The theme of the dinner, “Building a Better Future” will be addressed by Governor Abbott to an expected group of 300 guests.

The twenty or so young people practice with careful attentiveness the setting and etiquette instructions given. “Serve on the left side of your guest, remove from the right”, and on it goes as preparations are made weeks in advance. Ironing 300 chaircovers, 40 tablecloths, food and decoration planning, and regular meetings keep these young hosts and hostesses busy and excited.

Then, the buzzing of the young ladies (hostesses) begin, as they discuss what semi-formal dress they will wear that night. Even the young men (hosts) willingly agree to the protocol of black pants and white dress shirts, along with their black bowties.

“This is a once in a lifetime event,” Malorie Walton, 14, said. “That a person from Gist, Texas gets to do.”

The discussion continues, “The Governor so graciously taking time to come to Orange county shows that he cares and we are honored that he is taking time out of his busy schedule to speak to us!” Hostess Esther DeLadurantey, 25, said.

Micah Covey, 20, stated, “We hope our community is as excited as we are!”

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Orange County Republican Party of Texas Facebook page, “upcoming events” or call 409-221-9995.