You are cordially invited to an open house reception hosted by Illinois Citizens for Ethics PAC on the banks of the Chicago River at Vapiano, 222 S Riverside Plaza, Chicago.

Co-hosted By

Brian & Mary-Louise Hengesbaugh

Dan & Lucretia Costello

Eleanore Strong

David Avignone

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Sponsors

International Catholic Media Association

John & Mary Anne Hackett

Karen Dalton

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Join us for brick oven pizza, a delicious variety of pastas, salads, dessert, beer, wine, and cocktails at a beautiful setting overlooking the Chicago River.

We'll be recognizing everyone who spoke out in the many ways against the Reproductive Health Act, particularly Senator Dan McConchie, Representative Avery Bourne, Dr. Miriam Tierney, Girls' Health First Advocates, and the dynamic leaders of the church petition drives.

State Senator Dan McConchie may have single-handedly preserved the Illinois Parental Notice of Abortion Act through his skillful questioning of the Reproductive Health Act's (RHA) sponsor during the Senate Floor debate. The responses he elicited created a legislative history that could stand up to a court's review of the parental notice law, a life-saving protection for minor girls. More about Dan here.

State Representative Avery Bourne courageously debated Kelly Cassidy, the RHA sponsor, on the House floor, exposing the many holes in the legislation. In addition to detailed questioning dissecting the bill, Avery highlighted her unborn baby's humanity in a plea to fellow representatives to protect the lives of the most innocent among us, by voting No. More about Avery here.

Dr. Miriam Tierney is an OBGYN and mother who testified against the RHA in its Senate committee hearing. She drove to Springfield at 5:30 am on two successive mornings (knowing the bill would be called in committee with only one hour notice like it was for the House hearing a few days before) to testify to ensure that the pro-life movement had a woman physician on the record in opposition to the RHA. Read this article about it. She also brought a group of teens to Springfield and led advocacy efforts with Girls' Health First.

We appreciate Girls' Health First women who lobbied legislators in Springfield, met with legislators locally, attended town halls, and so much more to mobilize mainstream women and teen girls against the RHA.

We appreciate the leaders who coordinated petition drives! These leaders helped encourage thousands of individuals to sign petitions and contact legislators. These are people who may have not otherwise taken these important steps to pressure key legislators. The efforts of these leaders definitely made an impact with certain legislators.

Mary-Louise Hengesbaugh, chair of ICE-PAC and Girls' Health First, will emcee the evening. Mary-Louise is a former Miss Wisconsin and former Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago Respect Life Director under Cardinal Francis George.

Other Special Guests include State Representative Tom Morrison

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The outcome wasn't what we wanted, but we recognize the heroic efforts of so many, and look toward shaping future strategy to win the long-term battle.

Join us for an evening of food, fellowship and lots of fun!

Come and go as you desire, as it will be an open house setting.

Weather permitting, we'll be outside on Vapiano's patio.

Air-conditioned seating will also be available inside.

Food and beverages will be provided throughout the evening.

Business casual dress preferred, but not required.

Additional food and alcoholic beverages will also be available for purchase.

Families and children are welcome. Children 3 and under are free.

For further information about tickets and sponsorship, please email info@ice-pac.com or call 708.967.6082

Though this event is not a fundraising event, we rely on donations and sponsorship fuel our mission. Your generosity is appreciated.

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The mission of ICE-PAC is to influence public policy decisions made at the state level by supporting Illinois candidates and policies that value human life, advance family stability, and uphold the dignity of every individual.

If you can't attend the event but would like to support our mission, please consider making a secure online donation or mailing a check to:

Illinois Citizens for Ethics PAC, PO Box 101158, Chicago, IL 60610

State Senator Dan McConchie

State Representative Avery Bourne