Sarah Palin discusses education and freedom at CSU Stanislaus banquet

Sarah Palin discussed civic education, freedom of speech and the infamous "bendable straws" demand at California State University, Stanislaus Friday night.

Palin poked fun at the controversy sparked by the announcement she would appear and the outcry over her confidential contract, a portion of which students said they found in a university Dumpster.

"Do I have my straws?" she said, adding that she felt sorry for the Washington Speakers Bureau, which on her behalf negotiated "with the entire state of California."

And she took a shot at those who have launched an investigation into the university Foundation's finances in response to the contract. "Jerry Brown and friends, come on, this is California, do you not have anything else to do?"

Even as waiters set the tables, protesters gathered and the guest of honor was landing in Modesto, people were trying to get into the 50th Anniversary Gala fund-raiser.

"My phone has been ringing off the hook all day with people still wanting tickets," Foundation President Matt Swanson said Friday afternoon. He said the fund-raiser netted the university $200,000, the most money brought in by a single event on campus.

"They've assured me this is going to be the greatest meal in the history of the campus," he said later as he prepared to introduce Palin to the assembled crowd.

A prolonged standing ovation greeted the former Republican vice presidential candidate and Alaska governor as she entered the dining area.

In signing Palin, Swanson had said the foundation hoped the fund-raiser would bring in more money than any other single event on campus; Friday, he said the event surpassed that goal.

"This is a very auspicious day for our university," Swanson said. The event brought in $450,000 gross. University officials estimated they spent $190,000 and got $50,000 in in-kind donations, such as drinks and supplies.

Black, gold and crystal table settings, white flowers, lights and gauzy drapes transformed the university's cafeteria for the $500-per-ticket event. Swanson said the Foundation sold about 370 tickets to the event, in addition to several higher-priced sponsorship opportunities.

Guests dined on a five-course dinner that included buckwheat blini with smoked salmon, caprese salad, seared scallops and filet and halibut. They were greeted with a signed copy Palin's autobiography, "Going Rogue," on each seat.

Temporary fences manned by event staff kept protesters - and the occasional bicycle-riding teen - outside the interior of the campus. At one point, campus police trying to move some tea party supporters out of the driveway met with resistance as people pushed on barricades.

Protesters and supporters at one point argued with each other, prompting police to put up more barricades around the scene.

Swanson acknowledged the controversy over both Palin's message and the clause in her contract that kept her speaking fee confidential. But he said the foundation wouldn't hesitate to sign any other figures that would generate debate.

University President Hamid Shirvani clarified that. "Would we invite anybody who would bring in money? The answer is no. But the university is a marketplace for ideas."

The next most successful fund-raiser - outside of donations for buildings, endowed chairs and the like - was a concert by actor Gary Sinise's band that grossed $200,000, Swanson said.

A third of the proceeds immediately will go toward scholarships, Shirvani said. He will consult with his development team on what to do with the rest of the money. "We have so many needs," he said.