Sorry for the delay in getting this to you online. It is important nonetheless. The Center for Life annual Educational Trust fundraising breakfast on April 21st at the Holiday Inn in Mount Kisco was an unquestionable success. Keynote speaker Christopher Bell of Good Counsel attended with his wife, well-known pro-life advocate Joan Andrews Bell, and all their children but one. Breakfast was superb and the attendees were in high spirits for this yearly gathering affirming the dignity of life.
Chris Bell spoke about "Women in Crisis" and his personal journey towards understanding the devastating emotional impact that unexpected pregnancy and abortion has on women. Good Counsel pregnancy care centers reach out to women in need and the need is great. He spoke of remembering one pregnant woman he spoke with about their residence in Harrison especially for drug addicted and mentally challenged mothers. This woman said she never had a reason to stop drugs until now, and she thanked Good Counsel for giving her and her unborn child new lives. Chris's work through the years has been inspiring and always breaking new ground. Remember Good Counsel Homes when making donations. It is always pro-life money well spent.
The morning began with Msgr. Dermott Brennan offering the opening prayer reflection. Alan Mehldau spoke in memory of the wonderful Milvia Cacich and Tom Divine, whose names were placed on the plaque dedicated to deceased pro-life friends and advocates. The day's honorees included Patricia Vasta from Holy Name of Mary's Respect Life Society in Croton-on-Hudson, and Philomena Poli of St. Patrick's Gabriel Pregnancy Resource Center in Yorktown. Maria Litrenta of Project Gabriel presented Phil Poli's well-deserved award and spoke of her tireless work and dedication through the years.
Patricia Vasta, recipient of the Maureen Terilli Memorial Award, was introduced by Brigid Faranda. Pat is mother of nine and many of her children were on hand to honor her with heartfelt messages of the impact her motherhood and pro-life dedication has had on their lives. Here's Pat (L) with New York State Assemblyman Greg Ball and fellow honoree Philomena Poli from St. Patrick's Gabriel Project.
Recognition was also given to the beloved (and omnipresent in our area!) Sister Mary Martin of the Franciscan Sisters of the Atonement at Graymoor who was stunned when recognized by Pam Mehldau. Her Irish eyes were surely smiling and we all enjoyed her surprise and gentle words of thanks.
Alan Mehldau was also taken by surprise when thanked by all through Maria Litrenta who gratefully spoke of his years of multi-faceted pro-life work and advocacy.
Alan's Center for Life is celebrating its 10th anniversary year and these breakfasts have been educational events and an affirmation of the efforts of dedicated pro-lifers each year.
Among other notable attendees was Kieran Lalor and his family (shown below). Kieran is a Marine veteran (Iraq) and law student. Kieran is considering a run against John Hall for his Congressional seat. Also below, a friend greets Joan Andrews Bell, here in a pensive listening mood. A chapter of her pro-life activism is chronicled in her very influential biography, You Reject Them You Reject Me.
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