The 2017 Chairman’s Circle dinner at Willow Creek Winery was indicative of the dynamic manner in which the Cape GOP organization has grown. Over 230 people from numerous counties in southern New Jersey were in attendance. Special guests, Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno and Congressman Frank LoBiondo, together with the entire Cape May County Freeholder Board, were present to greet attendees.
Accompanying Chairman Karavan at the event were Chairman Michael Testa, Jr. from Cumberland County and Chairman George Gilmore from Ocean County, further solidifying the growing alliance between republican organizations in the southern end of the state.
The event was sponsored by numerous individuals and entities from various parts of New Jersey who donated generously to ensure its success. The donors were publicly acknowledged from the stage to the cheering crowd, by Freeholder Will Morey, Freeholder Jeffrey Pierson and Cape May County Surrogate Judge Susan Sheppard.
Chairman Karavan then addressed the attendees, referencing the “300” theme of the event. He stressed the historical lesson that a small and dedicated group of individuals can literally change the course of history. He further encouraged all members of the Cape GOP to serve as “ambassadors of the organization” by publicly promulgating the Cape GOP narrative of smaller government, reduced taxes and increased employment opportunities for all.
The Chairman reminded the crowd that the upcoming Cape May County Republican Convention (March 13) would soon be held solidifying the Republican slate for November 2017.
Lieut. Gov. Kim Guadagno, who received the early personal endorsements of Chairman Karavan and Chairman Testa in her gubernatorial campaign, then addressed the crowd in a moving statement regarding her vision for New Jersey’s future.
The spectacular venue, picked by Expedia.com as the number one place to visit in New Jersey for 2017, did not disappoint. Attendees enjoyed New Jersey wines, a full open bar and a buffet complete with a filet mignon carving station and other sumptuous treats.
The event concluded with numerous attendees joining Chairman Karavan in the “Cigar with the Chairman” tradition initiated years ago by his predecessor, former Chairman, Michael Donohue, who spearheaded the renaissance of the Cape GOP.
Chairman Karavan indicated that the success of the event had “shattered all expectations” and expressed his thanks to all sponsors and attendees for their continued confidence in the Cape May County Republican Organization.
