FAIRHOPE, Ala. - The Exceptional Foundation of Baldwin County, a newly-incorporated organization benefitting special needs patients on the gulf coast, began selling tickets last week to it's first major fundraiser, a May 3 dinner featuring former one-term Alaska governor and vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin.

The dinner will be held at the Grand Hotel Marriott in Point Clear, commencing at 6 p.m., with tickets available in the following categories: $15,000 for a sponsor's table seating 10 people; $10,000 for a sponsor's table seating 10 people; or $600 for individual tickets with open seating up to 12 people per table.

Tickets may be purchased by visiting the Foundation's website www.exceptionalfoundationbc.org or calling 251-990-2271. Approximately 85 percent of the cost of the tickets for open seating and 90 percent of the sponsor's seating to this event is tax deductible.

The Foundation was formed as a non-profit organization with its mission to meet the social and recreational needs of the mentally and/or physically challenged population of Baldwin and Mobile Counties, and lower Alabama. The Foundation's goal is to provide daily programs for exceptional participants (children five years of age through adulthood) which include arts and crafts activities, team sports, exercise classes, social events, and music.

"We're really excited that Palin has accepted our invitation to visit Baldwin County. She is especially well qualified to speak at this event. As a mother herself of a child with Down syndrome, she can readily relate to the Foundation's mission and goals, as well as the exceptional participants and their families. She has stated repeatedly that the special needs individuals are near and dear to her heart," said Foundation President Bob Callahan.

According to Callahan, the foundation plans to commence operations at the St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Daphne Sept. 1. "We hope to open our doors this fall. We are blessed beyond measure that Rev. Thack Dyson and the SI. Paul's congregation have offered us their wonderful facilities in order to get us started. It's also an excellent location with easy access throughout lower Alabama."

There will be photo opportunities with Palin for attendees at the sponsor's tables.