Bids soared as did enthusiasm at the Lincoln Day Dinner hosted last Wednesday by the Leelanau County Republican Party.
The restored Barn at French Valley Vineyards in Centerville Township was filled for what Republican Party chairperson Jim White described as a “very successful” fundraising event. He credited the work of several county GOP members including activities committee chair Peggy Zemanek, treasurer Linda Shimek, sound specialist Jim Kobberstad and hard-working volunteer David Kiessel.
In fact, Kiessel’s past work to elect conservatives over the past several years was recognized when he was named recipient of the party’s 2025 Golden Elephant Award. Now retired from the trucking business, Kiessel canvassed for votes door-to-door, oversaw political sign placement and was elected precinct delegate for Suttons Bay Township.
“If something needs to be done, David is always there and always ready to help,” White said.
Comments he received about the event were complimentary of keynote speaker Bernadette Smith of Detroit, who is cochairman of the Michigan Republican Party. Her husband, pastor Phil Smith, provided the invocation.
“I got nothing but great feedback on Bernadette’s comments. And I think the volunteers who were the primary drivers of the event did a great job. We wanted to bring the dinner back to the county (after it was held at the Park Place in 2024). We’re hoping that people had a good time, and that will help boost membership,” White said.
