The Taste of Freedom Rally and fundraiser hosted by the Republican Women of the Area (RWOYA) filled the Yoakum Community Center with +200 like -minded patriots who gathered to encourage and support Republican candidates and who generously helped to raise funds for RWOYA’s operating expenses for projects for the upcoming 2025 year.
The event began with a social food and drink tasting with local small business vendors from Gonzales, DeWitt, and Lavaca counties who served a variety of their specialty cuisines. A special recognition and thank you is extended to these vendors:
• Alcalde Coffee Shop-Gonzales
•Bea’s Place - Shiner
• East to West Market Yoakum
• YK Deli & Smoothies - Yoakum
• Willie Joe’s Processing - Yoakum
• Hodgepodge Fair Market & Trade - Hallettsville
• Sandy’s Wingz & Thingz - Hallettsville
• The EVthing - Cuero
• Lira Rossa Artisan Cheese - Moulton
• Majek Vineyard & Winery - Hallettsville
A silent auction held during the social hour was both fun and profitable. The club extends its gratitude to all the donors and buyers.
The rally was opened with the Lone Star 854 Veterans color guard followed by pledges led by state representative candidates A.J. Louderback and Alan Schoolcraft. Benjamin Franklin prayed the invocation, and former Lavaca County Judge Mark Myers offered the benediction. Our national anthem was beautifully sung by Tim Georgeoff.
The reserved tables were beautifully decorated by members with unique and colorful centerpieces where the table buyers took them home. We thank the members buyers for their continued support.
RWOYA President, Vicki Vickers, welcomed the crowd and recognized elected officials, candidates, and special visitors. The club was honored and pleased to introduce the emcee of the rally, State Senator Lois Kolkhorst who engaged the audience with her high energy and sense of patriotism to inspire the “Get Out The Vote” effort.
State representative candidates, A. J Louderback and Alan Schoolcraft, spoke of the urgent need to vote and the importance to work toward election integrity. Court of Criminal Appeals candidate, Gina Parker, explained the duties and the importance of the State Criminal Appeals Court. Justice Ysmael Fonesca spoke on behalf of the 13th Court of Civil Appeals Republican candidates.
Special guest, First Assistant to the Attorney General, Brent Webster, provided an update on actions taken by the Attorney General’s Office to ensure Texas sovereignty and election integrity.
State Representative candidate and keynote speaker, Shelley Luther, articulated her story of when she was taken to jail during the 2020 COVID shutdown because she reopened her beauty salon. This was reported nationwide on Fox News and other national news venues.
This event would not have been possible without its volunteers and donors--the club extends its heart-felt gratitude.
RWOYA invites the voting public to attend its meetings held on the second Wednesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. for lunch and speaker program as RWOYA continues its efforts support Republican candidates and educate the voters.
