The spirit of unity was in the air with dozens of well-known organizations represented, many of which had information on their activities and work within the community to share with the attendees. As Patriots United Executive Director Brian Kelly said, “We are many individual organizations working diligently for the cause we know to be vital to the future of our country, but if we work together our efforts could yield so much more fruit.”

Headlining the event was David Smith of the Illinois Family Institute, Reverend Robert Vanden Bosch of Concerned Christian Americans, and Lisa Hartell of the Mom Ministry. All carried the same message: our cause has never been more vital to ensure a moral and prosperous America for our children; our prayers have never been more needed for our leaders and the future of our country; and our resolve must be steeled to stand strong on the values on which our country was founded.

One of the highlights of the morning was the presentation of the inaugural Henry Hyde Celebrating Life Achievement Award to Irene Napier, a longtime conservative activist considered by many to be the Godmother of the pro-life cause in McHenry County. Irene was presented the award, a tall wooden statue of a mother holding her child, and true-to-form gave all credit to God and her fellow activists.

What was clear before the breakfast began was that due to the faithful efforts of the many individuals there that morning, many lives have been touched in Illinois. What was clear afterwards is that the cause is growing stronger, and with a newfound sense of unity and collaboration this movement is prepared to reach a whole new level of effectiveness and influence in Illinois politics.