County GOP Party Builder Award winner named at GOP Fish Fry
May 21—Patrick Scott became the newest recipient of the Dr. Gerald Beasley Party Builder Award.
Scott received the recognition during the 20th annual Stephens County GOP Fish Fry, which took place on Saturday, May 18 at the Stephens County Fairgrounds.
The Stephens County event is the largest gathering of Republicans in the state other than the State Convention. They come to eat fish, "fellowship with other Republicans" and "support the conservative cause," according to Leon Farris, Chairman of the county party.
The volunteer-ran event feeds well over 800 people in about 30-45 minutes and is a family-friendly event that allows those in attendance to meet many Oklahoma elected officials in person.
Since this year is an election year, not only does it purpose as a way to check in with those representing constituents, it also allows for area Republicans to meet their candidates for the next election cycle. Those in office and those running use the evening as a way to serve dinner to attending voters.
As is tradition, this year's event also hosted an auction of donated items to add to the festivities. The funds raised during the fish fry go to funding an election headquarters each year and provide infrastructure for local candidates.
Following a segment of the auction, Steve Fair, Vice Chairman of the fourth district of the Oklahoma Republican Party, introduced the significance behind the Dr. Gerald Beasley Party Builder Award.
Fair told the audience the award is the top award given out to volunteers in the Stephens County Republican Party.
The award has been given out for more than 25 years. Politics was life to Beasley, a physician, Fair said, noting that the doctor-politician was an inspiration to many in the Stephens County Republican Party.
Doc was a grassroots activist and ran for Congress twice. He passed away from Leukemia and the award was established in his honor.
Some of Doc's family was present in the audience and Fair recognized them. He then spoke about the party's changes over the years and how much it's grown.
The award goes to the volunteer with the Stephens County GOP who most exemplifies Dr. Beasley's spirit and is awarded each year.
Farris then returned to the stage to announce who would take home the award. First, he asked all of the previous recipients in the audience to stand for a moment.
He said each year they search for the person who has gone above and beyond for the Republican Party, and while they normally keep it a surprise, it wasn't possible this year.
Vice Chair of the Stephens County GOP Patrick Scott was announced as the winner.
"Since he's running the powerpoint, he knows about this," Farris said.
Farris gave some background on Scott's family. He said Scott had been married to his wife for 42 years, had three children and fostered 51 children.
Farris said Scott has taken care of a lot behind the scenes as Vice Chair of the Stephens County GOP. He credited Scott for his work on the county GOP's website, as well as his video and audio work, and his willingness to step in when necessary.
"Patrick, I just appreciate so very much the good work that you've done," Farris said before he presented the award.
The event also featured U.S. Rep. Tom Cole as the keynote speaker.
