First In Freedom250th Anniversary Celebration Dinner
Macon County, North Carolina
Join us for
First in Freedom 250th Anniversary Celebration DinnerFundraiser
May 22, 2025
28 East Main StreetFranklin, NC
Festivities start at 5:30First speakers 6:00Dinner 6:30
Deadline May 8th
Tickets may also be purchased at Republican party HQon Thursday, Friday or Saturday10 AM to 2 PM867 Highlands RoadFranklin, NC 28734
Or
Click Here for printed form that can be mailed.
P.O. Box 595Franklin, NC 28744
Click this ticket for Business Donations!
Keynote Speaker
Jason Simmons, NCGOP Chairperson
Jason is an experienced campaign operative, having worked on multiple presidential
campaigns – to include as the North Carolina state director for the Donald J. Trump
for Presidential Campaign in 2016, and in 2020 as Regional Political Director for Trump Victory
overseeing campaign operations across several states. Most recently he served as the
Executive Director of the NCGOP.Additionally, Jason has worked for government administrations at both the state and
federal level where he served as a senior executive. He was formerly enlisted in the
U.S. Army Reserves as a Combat Medic and Mental Health Specialist.Jason received a Master of Arts in International Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in
Political Science from the University of South Carolina. He is married and has two
daughters.
campaigns – to include as the North Carolina state director for the Donald J. Trump
for Presidential Campaign in 2016, and in 2020 as Regional Political Director for Trump Victory
overseeing campaign operations across several states. Most recently he served as the
Executive Director of the NCGOP.Additionally, Jason has worked for government administrations at both the state and
federal level where he served as a senior executive. He was formerly enlisted in the
U.S. Army Reserves as a Combat Medic and Mental Health Specialist.Jason received a Master of Arts in International Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in
Political Science from the University of South Carolina. He is married and has two
daughters.
Nathan Baer
Notable Attendees
Sen. Kevin Corbin
NC STATE SENATORSenator Kevin Corbin has devoted his life to serving the people of Western North Carolina. Born and raised in the scenic mountains of Macon County, his journey in public service began early. Elected to the Macon County School Board at just 22, Kevin spent 20 influential years there, 16 of them as chairman. His commitment to improving local education set a foundation for his enduring dedication to public service.
After stepping away briefly, Kevin returned to politics with renewed vigor, winning a seat on the Macon County Commission, where he also served as chairman. His political career further escalated when he was elected to the North Carolina House of Representatives in 2017. Representing the 120th District, he quickly distinguished himself, being appointed to several key committees including Appropriations on Education/Higher Education and Commerce and Insurance.
In 2020, Kevin was elected to the North Carolina Senate, representing Senate District 50. His tenure in the Senate has been marked by significant legislative achievements, particularly in the realms of broadband expansion, education, and school safety. His efforts were instrumental in the expansion of Medicaid in North Carolina, extending coverage to 600,000 residents for the first time—an accomplishment that highlights his ability to effect substantial change across party lines.
Rep. Karl Gillespie
NC STATE REPRESENTATIVERepresentative Karl Gillespie is a fifth-generation Maconian. In 1999, I started National Communications, Inc. (NCI) with one technician. Since then NCI has grown to become a regional company providing the installation and maintenance of all types of low voltage communications systems. Karl has served as a member of the Macon County Board of Commissioners, A member of the Southwestern Community College Board of Trustees, Vice President of the North Carolina Cattlemen’s Association, and Macon County Farm Bureau Board of Directors.
Karl is a member of First United Methodist Church. He was elected by his colleagues to a leadership position as House Majority Whip, I am Chair of the Appropriations-Agriculture, Natural and Economic Resources Committee, Chair of the Environment Committee, Vice-Chair of Agriculture, Vice-Chair of Appropriations, Vice-Chair of Federal Relations and American-Indian Affairs, Vice-Chair of Wildlife Resources, Vice-Chair of the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Agriculture and Natural and Economic Resources, and Member of Disaster Recovery and Homeland Security.
Other Notable Attendees
Deanna Ballard
FORMER NC STATE SENATORNC State Senator from 2016-2023, Deanna Ballard grew up in Lincoln County. Graduated Belmont University (BBA)
Sam Page
SHERIFF ROCKHAM COUNTYSheriff in Rockingham County since 1998. He served in the U.S. Air Force (1975-80).
Hal Weatherman
FOUNDER & PRESIDENT OF THE ELECTORAL EDUCATION FOUNDATIONDegrees from Wake Forest University and Wheaton College. Served as Chief of Staff to former North Carolina Lt. Governor Dan Forest and former US Representative Sue Myrick.
Jeffery Elmore
NC HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVEDISTRICT 94
NC House Representative since 2013. Twenty-third year as a dedicated teacher in Wilkes County Schools
Silent Auction
