2010 American Catholic Press Benefit

The ACP Benefit this year takes place Saturday, September 25, at Flossmoor Country Club.  Driving directions are available online.

At 6 p.m., a reception is held for our honorees in the Berkshire Room. During this time, there is an open bar.  Reserved table seating is identified at the reception desk.  At 6:30,  hors d'oeuvres are served.  At 7 p.m., the chimes are rung, to summon everyone to the Ogilve Room for dinner. We begin with the hymn, Lord of All Life, published in both the Leaflet Missal prayerbook and the American Catholic Hymnbook. Father Jim Flynn then says grace before meals.  (Father Flynn's parish, Holy Name of Mary, makes good use of the Leaflet Missal prayerbook and Parish Liturgy magazine.

The master of ceremonies this evening is Mauro Glorioso, past president of the Justinian Society.  He also serves on the Board of Appeals for the State of Illinois. Mauro's term of office extends several years into the future.

The Brady Family; Bill is on the right.
The Brady Family; Bill is on the right.

The board of directors of American Catholic Press met on April 14 and made a final  decision on our two honorees. The Gratiam Dei Award is conferred on Senator Bill Brady, who hails from Bloomington, Illinois.  The Henry Hyde Award is presented to Coleen Mast, a writer and a radio personality.  She is published by Ignatius Press and broadcast regularly on Sirius Radio.

Coleen Kelly Mast
Coleen Kelly Mast

During the reception before dinner, Coleen has a table, with several of her books and other publications available. In the same location, the Berkshire Room, there is a silent auction, which  continues during dinnertime.  (You go in, sign for what you like and move on.  Somone else can also sign in, with a higher bid.  People come and go, bidding as they wish.)

Vincent Kolber, an expert in finance and investing, speaks briefly to those present, commending Bill Brady for his approach in fiscal management.  Vincent is the CEO of Residco, a Chicago firm providing financial and investment services to transportation equipment corporations. A special guest, Rev. Isaac Hayes, also speaks to the gathering, introducing Bill Brady.  Rev. Isaac Hayes is a pro-life advocate, articulate and inspiring.   Another special guest is Rev. James Heyd, Cardinal George's liaison to the pro-life community.  He introduces Coleen Mast.  In honor of both Bill Brady and Coleen Mast, we stand and sing Ad Multos Annos ("for many years").

Then, Steve True conducts an exciting, live auction of a few items, a Holy Family Sculpture, a Ronald Reagan print, and the Book of Kells. (Steve is Nancy Brady's brother; he is a well known sports broadcaster in Milwaukee.) Afterwards, we enjoy a presentation of Scottish dancing, with a piper, Rev. Scott McCawley.  Under the direction of Nancy Strolle, the Thistle and Heather group provides a dazzling display of Highland joy.  At their table is the the flag of Scotland.  Father McCawley is an associate pastor at Immaculate Conception Parish, in Elmhurst, Illinois.

After the usual Litany of Peace, Father Heyd says grace after meals.   He is an associate of Father Frank Pavone, in Priests for Life.  Father Heyd concludes with a blessing for the gathering, in the name of the Trinity.  Father Heyd is full time in this work; he is a priest of the Chicago Archdiocese.

As you know, you can participate in the Annual Benefit, in several  ways.  In fact, you can register right now, for next year's benefit.  That event will probably take place in the Fall, in October. 

To register for the next ACP Benefit Dinner or to get further information, click on this blue icon, now.

From the left, seated, are Liz Fagan, Joe & Bobbie Noonan; standing are Dr. Mike Fagan, Father Jim Heyd, and Jerry Bern. Father Heyd is a pro-life advocate of the Chicago Archdiocese. He introduces Coleen Mast and speaks of her good works.
From the left, seated, are Liz Fagan, Joe & Bobbie Noonan; standing are Dr. Mike Fagan, Father Jim Heyd, and Jerry Bern. Father Heyd is a pro-life advocate of the Chicago Archdiocese. Today, he introduces Coleen Mast and speaks of her good works.

Joan Braden, Rosann Conroy, and Ed Waymel
Here, from the left, are Joan Braden, Rosann Conroy, and Ed Waymel, welcoming guests at the reception desk. Rosann and Joan are ACP board members. Ed is our accountant for the past dozen years.



Vincent Kolber, CEO of Residco, Inc.
Vincent Kolber gives tribute to Senator Bill Brady, for his personal integrity, his management skills, and his personal acumen. Vincent is the president of Residco. He is a successful CEO and an expert in financial matters.

Nancy & Bill Brady, with Mauro Glorioso
Nancy & Bill Brady, with Mauro Glorioso. Mauro, past president of The Justinian Society, is master of ceremonies this evening.

Dr. Richard Venneri of St. Xavier's University and Joe Russo
Dr. Richard Venneri (left) of St. Xavier's University and Joe Russo (right), an ACP officer and board member. Joe comes from the North Side of Chicago, St. Andrew's, where he is an organist.

Senator Bill Brady, receiving the ACP Gratiam Dei Award for 2010
Senator Bill Brady (right) receives the ACP Gratiam Dei Award for 2010, for his public service, his pro-life stand, and his dedication to the common good.

Coleen Mast (right) is presented with the ACP Henry Hyde Award for 2010, for her writing and broadcasting on a pro-life theme.
Coleen Kelly Mast is here presented with the ACP Henry Hyde Award for 2010, for her writing and broadcasting on a pro-life theme.


Chris Bern and her father, George Hill
Chris Bern and her father, George Hill. Chris is an ACP officer and board member. She and her husband Jerry flew here from China, to attend this 2010 benefit. (Yes, from China!)

Darlene Ruhl, Beth Ehlman, Pete Ruhl, and Father Jim Flynn
Darlene Ruhl, Beth Ehlman, Pete Ruhl, and Father Jim Flynn. Pete is our ACP development director. Father Flynn is pastor of Holy Name of Mary Church, on the South Side of Chicago.


Carol & Mike Yukich with Kathleen Yukich and Patrick McGlynn
Carol & Mike Yukich, Kathleen Yukich, and Patrick McGlynn. Mike is in charge of subscriber relations for ACP.

Jerry Bern, Margaret Skurka, and Jim Braden.
Jerry Bern, Margaret Skurka, and Jim Braden. Jerry and Jim are ACP board members.

Mary Ann & Tony Veeneman and Dr. Sal & Maureen Rinella
Mary Ann & Tony Veeneman and Dr. Sal & Maureen Rinella, long-time ACP friends.

Bob & Colleen Gilligan with Will & Denise Perry
Bob & Colleen Gilligan with Will & Denise Perry. Bob is head of the Illinois Catholic Conference. He lobbies in Springfield, Illinois. His advice is important to ACP. He is no relation to Father Gilligan.

Karen & Dr. Richard Mantoan
Karen & Dr. Richard Mantoan. They are good friends of ACP.

Janet Andrzejewski, Coleen Mast, and John Andrzejewski
Janet Andrzejewski, Coleen Mast, and John Andrzejewski. In support of Coleen, Janet and John came all the way from Herscher, Illinois.

Thistle and Heather Dancers
Father Scott McCawley, bagpiper, and "Thistle & Heather," Scottish dancers under the direction of Nancy Strolle.
Latouna & Rev. Isaac Hayes, with Katie & Will Brady. Rev. Isaac Hayes is a minister of the Apostolic Church of God. Tonight, he introduces Senator Brady, as a man of integrity.
From the left are Latouna & Rev. Isaac Hayes, with Katie & Will Brady. Rev. Isaac Hayes is a minister of the Apostolic Church of God. Tonight, he introduces Senator Brady, as a man of integrity.

Stave True, Milwaukee sports broadcaster
To the surprise and delight of everyone, Steve True led a live auction. His wit charm, and personality made his dialogue a highlight of the evening. Kudos! (Steve is a professional sports broadcaster in Milwaukee. He drove down from Wisconsin, to celebrate with us today.)

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