Community Corner

Pregnancy Counseling Center Honors Kerry Lavelle with Spirit of Life Award

The Society for the Preservation of Human Dignity held its 40th anniversary "Spirit of Life" Gala recently.

The Society for the Preservation of Human Dignity, PHD, held its 40th Anniversary “Spirit of Life” Gala to celebrate the pregnancy counseling center’s 40 years of service to families in the community.

The nonprofit organization provides counseling and support services to women who are pregnant, parenting children age three and younger, or who have lost a child. The event was underwritten by donor Maggie Stephen.

“We are extremely grateful to Maggie Stephen for her support and we were happy to connect with our donors and supporters about what it is we do in our communities,” said Catherine E. Vincus, PHD’s Executive Director, in a press release. “Because of their generosity PHD has thrived for 40 years. They’re also the reason we’ll continue to thrive for the next 40 years and beyond.”

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Volunteer committee members organized the event. Guests bid on a variety of silent auction items including dinners, shows and spa getaways. Guests also had the opportunity to purchase a chance to take home a live auction item for $100.

“We were thrilled at the response to this special raffle. In all, 91 tickets were sold bringing in $9,100. The lucky winner chose to pick up a trip to Arizona’s Miraval Spa for a long weekend,” said Liz Noe, Director of Major Events for PHD, in a press release.

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Additional live auction items included a trip to Las Vegas, a trip to Italy, a signed Gale Sayers' Jersey, tickets to the Crosstown Classic and a private, in-home dinner by Gibson’s Executive Chef, Randy Waidner.

In addition to raising funds for the organizations programs and services, the agency debuted their new website and new marketing video.

The event, chaired by Cathy and Bob Shanahan of Arlington Heights, also was attended by area dignitaries such as state Sen. Matt Murphy and Julie Murphy, Mayor of Palatine Jim Schwantz and Brenda Schwantz, State Rep. Tom Morrison and Bethany Morrison.

Kerry Lavelle from Lavelle Law was honored with PHD’s Spirit of Life Award.

“Kerry has a special place in our hearts. He has previously served on the Board of Directors and has also done a lot of pro-bono work on our behalf through his firm Lavelle Law,” Vincus said in a prepared statement. “We are grateful to him from the bottom of our hearts and so glad that we could honor him in this way.”

Funds raised during the evening will support PHD’s general operating budget. PHD provides professional counseling in the areas of general pregnancy and early childhood parenting to women who are pregnant or parenting children under the age of three. PHD also offers specialized counseling for postpartum depression, grief and loss of a child, post adoption and post abortion. Counseling is offered to women and their spouse or significant other as well as grandparents.

To learn more about PHD and upcoming events including PHD’s Golf Outing set for July 13, 2011, visit www.sphd.org or call 847-359-4919.


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