2019 Daviess County Right To Life Banquet
Brad Mattes, Keynote Speaker at the 2019 Banquet
Brad Mattes, keynote speaker at the 2019 banquet, praised the rural community’s support of the event, saying, “this is where we get the lifeblood of the movement — not from New York or Virginia!” Mattes, who at one time served on the National Right to Life board, has been involved in the pro-life movement for over 45 years. He is now president and CEO of Life Issues Institute.
During his address at the banquet, he said, “we are making some great strides in the protecting of the lives of the unborn, in spite of what you read or hear in the major press.” He added that laws are being passed in pro-life states that are making it very difficult for Planned Parenthood and other pro-abortion organizations, and as a result, their supporters in the press are making an attempt to discredit anyone who stands up for life. Mattes also praised President Donald Trump for his appointments of federal judges, saying, “President Trump is the most pro-life president we have ever had. I say that, even though I was such a big fan of President Regan. This president has done more to stifle the pro-abortion movement than any president, and the press hates him and are doing what they can to destroy him.”
2019 Adoptive Child
Mike and Jill Wininger Family Honored at Right to Life Banquet
Mike and Jill Wininger were honored at the Right to Life Banquet as the 2019 Adoptive Family, having adopted two children in the last several years. Speaking on behalf of the family, Jill spoke of how she always wanted to adopt children after having children of their own. When they discovered that was not possible, they began the process of preparing for adoption. Jill spoke of the excitement of receiving the calls telling them that their prayers had been answered. They adopted Elijah Lee and Anna Louise, pictured above. Jill spoke about how she and her husband have always been pro-life, but that adoption raised their awareness of how women can choose adoption over abortion for their children. Jill praised the work of Right to Life and the Pregnancy Care Center for their work in caring for mothers in unplanned pregnancies.
Community Service Award Winner for 2019
Matt and Danielle Hoffman Presented Special Humanitarian Award
Matt and Danielle Hoffman received a special Humanitarian Award, recognizing their service caring for children through the Foster Parent program. Danielle Hoffman worked as a volunteer and eventually key staff member at the Pregnancy Care Center for over a decade, a crucial team member during the center’s years of exponential growth. Danielle left the Pregnancy Care Center to foster four children, leaving a legacy of many, many women whose lives she touched.
A special tribute in memory of Marvin Arvin was given by President Louis Kavanaugh Jr. Marvin’s widow Virginia Arvin, as well as his two daughters were present and took part in the memorial.
Sharon Cannon and Charlene Thomas were introduced as new board members representing Pike County on the Daviess County Right to Life Board.
Mike Fichter, President of Indiana Right to Life, recognized local state legislators for maintaining 100% pr0-life voting records.
The legislators represented (shown above left to right) included State Representative Matt Hostettler (District 64), State Representative Shane Lindauer (District 63), State Senator Mark Messmer (District 48), State Senator Eric Bassler (District 39), State Representative Jeff Ellington (District 62), and State Representative Bruce Borders (District 45).
Washington High School ROTC Honor Guard presented the colors for the opening ceremonies. Amy Kavanaugh sang the national anthem, and Grant Harrison, a senior at Barr-Reeve High School, led the Pledge of Allegiance. During the opening ceremonies, the late Marvin Arvin was honored. Pictured are his widow Virginia Arvin with her daughters Naomi Strange and Joanna Ader.