Pregnancy center celebrates 40 years of service

Society for the Preservation of Human Dignity, PHD, held its 40th Anniversary “Spirit of Life” Gala Saturday, April 30, to celebrate the pregnancy counseling center’s 40 years of service to families in the community.

PHD provides counseling and support services to women who are pregnant or parenting children younger than 3, or who have lost a child through miscarriage, stillbirth, ectopic pregnancy, abortion or traumatic death. 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.

“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.”

Volunteer committee members organized the entire event down to the smallest details. 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.

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 PHD’s programs and services, the agency debuted its new website and marketing video. Guests stopped by the marketing table to get a firsthand look at the new site. The video was featured during the live auction.

Vincus was pleased with the reaction.

“I think people were truly impressed by our new video and website. We have worked very hard over the last couple of months to prepare for the launch. We are ecstatic to have tools that will help us represent the work we do for hundreds of families and adolescents in our area.”

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

Kerry Lavelle of 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,” said Vincus. “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 go to 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 younger than 3.

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.

PHD’s professional counseling, conducted by masters level counselors and social workers, is offered for free regardless of income, geographic location, race, marital status or religion.

PHD’s MOTIVATE Prevention Department offers programs to youth and parents addressing healthy sexuality, relationship development, how to say no, healthy communication, goal setting, anti-bullying and character development.

For more details about PHD and upcoming events, visit sphd.org or call (847) 359-4919.