The Archidiocese of Chicago’ Respect Life Office held their first annual fundraising banquet on November 15, at the Rosemont Conference, drawing over 800 supporters and numberous donations above that. Director Mary-Louise Kurey said she will use the proceeds to fund educational programs throughout the diocese, as well as brochures and other forms of communications materials that until not were not broadly available. Erika Harold, former Miss America, gave an inspiring recounting of her experiences as an abstinence counselor and speaker, emphasizing that hearts can be changed when women realize they have it in themselves to take control of their own bodies and their own lives. Guest speakers included Senator Peter Fitzgerald, Cardinal George, Bishop Listecki and Bishop Paprocki.