politics

Bristol Palin is coming to North Dakota with a message about making the right choices. The daughter of former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is the headliner at a fundraiser at the Fargo Holiday Inn for the Perry Center, a West Fargo home for unwed mothers that presents itself as an alternative to abortion.

The 19-year-old became the focus of national debate during her mother's vice presidential campaign in 2008 because of her pregnancy followed by young motherhood with the birth of son Tripp.

"Her story fits very well with the Perry Center's mission of reaching young women experiencing unplanned pregnancies," the center said in announcing Bristol Palin's appearance on Oct. 7, "and we are blessed that she has offered to share her story with us."

The center, which describes itself as a place where unwed mothers can find "forgiveness, healing and restoration in Jesus' name," is encouraging parents and grandparents to invite their daughters and granddaughters "to hear a message of making positive choices and the importance of life."

Bristol Palin's choices have drawn celebrity-level attention ever since the 2008 campaign. Of late, she and Tripp's father, Levi Johnston, have scrapped their plans to wed. On Thursday, E! Online reported that Bristol Palin will compete during the next season of the TV hit "Dancing with the Stars."

Speaking around the country at facilities such as the Perry Center has proved lucrative for her. She has signed with Single Source Speakers, and her fees can run upward of $30,000.

Pat Larson, the administrator for the Perry Center, told the Forum of Fargo that she arranged with a Palin representative to pay "much, much less."

Tickets for the event will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Prices are $15 per person or $180 to reserve a table. For more information, visit www.perrycenter.org.