Catholic Pro-Life Banquet in Fort Worth

Tim & Teresa, John's cousin. They give so much to the cause!

Last night we went to the 2013 Pro-Life Banquet to raise money for pregnancy counseling centers, post-abortive healing retreats, and youth for life ministry work. We had been looking forward to it ever since Teresa and Tim mentioned it months ago. We decided to split the cost of a full table for 10 and invite friends and family. It was hosted at the Omni Hotel in Fort Worth. Very nice venue with a delicious meal and inspiring speakers/video. This year's featured speaker, was Tim Tebow's mother Pam. She spoke very enthusiastically and honestly about the pro-life fight, giving many "God stories" as she called them, to inspire us all to continue in the fight for the defenseless. To unconditionally love those who may not be able to reciprocate; namely the unborn, and special needs children. It was a great event and reassuring to see so many people give to such a great cause...not just their money (although over $115k was raised!) but their efforts and time. We all had a good time :)

 Here we are checking in. The gal on the left is from Teresa's church youth group--she used my mom's ticket as she had to work last minute.

 Boom. Yeah, it was hard to find something to fit...I hope Frankie comes soon...my body can't take much more.

 Teresa put this beautiful display together, but more importantly sidewalk counsels at clinics regularly saving lives and women from painful regrets and shame, and also chaperones at many youth for life events. What a great role model!

 Here's Susan in the Antonio Melani dress I made her get---isn't it cute? And she's alright too :) Next weekend Susan will be participating in the Hike for Life to raise even more money for crisis pregnancy counseling centers. She has raised $400 of her $625 goal...if you would like to help out (any amount is greatly appreciated!) here is the link--you have until friday night October 4th: http://www.ministrysync.com/event/website/?m=1523081

 How cute :)

Here is our beautiful table, with our special "Johnson & Hodge Family" card :)

 

 Pecan crusted chicken with a sweet sauce and very thinly sliced smokey potatoes & veggies.

 Pam Tebow was a great speaker and inspired us all. I only hope John and I can be as good of parents as she and her husband are to their many kids, and as generous as they have been in all their missions, especially the orphanages that saved so many lives in the Philippines.

These 2 are pretty special as well; this is Giovanni Capriglione from the Texas House of Representatives (district 98), and Texas Senate hopeful Konni Burton (going up against pee-bag lady Wendy Davis..)

 I am so glad to see such strong pro-lifers in politics.