House and Senate Republicans have tapped Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) to headline their annual fundraising dinner in June.

This is the first major fundraising appearance for Palin, who gained national recognition as Sen. John McCain’s (R-Ariz.) running mate in the 2008 presidential race. The dinner, which benefits the National Republican Congressional Committee and the National Republican Senatorial Committee, is scheduled for June 8 at the Washington Convention Center.

NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions (Texas) called Palin “one of the brightest rising stars in the Republican Party— in announcing her attendance.

Palin proved to be popular with the party’s base last fall, attracting super-sized crowds across the country. She is also a proven fundraiser for Republicans — a major plus for the GOP committees as they head into the 2010 cycle out of power in Congress and without a president from their own party to headline the annual dinner.

NRCC Rockin’ New Post-Dinner Fundraiser

The National Republican Congressional Committee, the House Republican “Young Guns— and the 218 Club have joined forces to host a fundraiser following the committee’s annual dinner on March 24.

The first annual “After Party— is billed as an event to honor Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio), NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions (Texas), House Republicans and their chiefs of staff. All funds raised will benefit the NRCC, according to an online copy of the invitation.

Tickets range from $100 for general admission to $5,000 for the host sponsors with 12 tickets.

Geared toward a younger crowd than the traditional NRCC dinner, the After Party will be held at the Hard Rock Cafe in downtown Washington, D.C., with music from the Texas Unlimited Band.