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DALLAS, TX – Families and children of all ages are invited to Council for Life’s second annual Family Fun for Life on May 5, 2024. This free event will be held at the SMU Armstrong Fieldhouse and will bring the community together for a joyful celebration of Life brimming with laughter, music, food and an array of entertaining activities.

The afternoon will be packed with excitement, featuring a variety of entertainment options catering to everyone’s interests. From navigating through a giant obstacle course to getting creative with face painting and balloon art, bouncing around in inflatable houses, testing football skills at target games, enjoying a round of putt-putt and dancing along to The Dad Band – there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Council for Life extends a special note of gratitude to the esteemed Honorary Chairs, SMU Head Football Coach Rhett Lashlee, and his wife Lauren, for their invaluable support.

 “Last year we were excited and touched to see families spending time together, playing games and supporting Council for Life’s life-affirming mission,” said CFL’s Executive Director, Lee Anne Morris. “We are so thrilled to host this event again.”

The success of Family Fun for Life would not be possible without the generous support of individual and corporate sponsors. Family Fun for Life Co-Chairs Ready Bateman, Becky Cullum and Barbara Durham extend their deepest appreciation to all who have contributed to making this event a resounding success for Life!

More information and registration are available at councilforlife.org/events.

About Council for Life

Council for Life (CFL) exists to empower women, men and youth to make life-affirming choices. Motivated by Christ-like love and responsive compassion, CFL is committed to raising awareness of the complex issues that surround unplanned pregnancies and to providing financial support to agencies that share their mission. Since 2001, Council for Life has raised more than $14 million to fund over 70 agencies in the Dallas/Fort Worth area with life-affirming missions relating to the complex issues surrounding unplanned pregnancies. Learn more at councilforlife.org.

 

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DALLAS, TX - Dallas-based nonprofit Council for Life is proud to announce that over $1.3 million was raised at their Celebrating Life Luncheon on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at the Hilton Anatole Hotel. The funds will go directly to Council for Life’s 27 Beneficiaries who work joyfully to support LIFE. (See the list of 2023 Council for Life Beneficiaries here.)

The luncheon featured radio talk show host, cultural commentator, international speaker, and bestselling author Eric Metaxas. Metaxas is the #1 New York Times author of Bonhoeffer and many other books, including Is Atheism Dead?, Martin Luther, Amazing Grace and his latest book Letter to the American Church.

Metaxas made a compelling argument that Christians, especially the Church, need to boldly fight the battle against evil, despite going against the status quo. “The Lord wants you to be in the battle…He has called you, He has invited you to the greatest adventure in the history of the world; to stand with Him, to walk with Him in the battle of good versus evil.”

Metaxas discussed the haunting similarities between today’s American Church and the German Church of the 1930s during Hitler’s reign. He argued that fighting evil does not politicize Christianity. As German martyr Dietrich Bonhoeffer and other heroes of the faith insisted, the Church has an important role in the culture of America. It is a duty to fight the powers of darkness, especially on behalf of the weak and vulnerable. “Do you think Roe v. Wade would have been overturned if some in the Church didn’t understand that it is our duty before God to get involved with politics?”

Closing his presentation, Eric stressed the need to answer God’s call to defend the unborn. People must overcome fear and enter the battle, armed with the spiritual weapons of prayer, self-sacrifice, and love.

Council for Life was thrilled to recognize Cindy and Tony Weber as this year’s Luncheon Honorary Co-Chairs.  Cindy and Tony have been faithful supporters of CFL through the years, with Dr. Cindy Weber serving on the  CFL Board of Directors and Tony currently serving on the CFL Advisory Board.

Sandy Ammons and Mary Louise Binning — philanthropic leaders in the Dallas community dedicated to the cause of Life — were CFL’s outstanding Luncheon Co-Chairs. “We are immensely grateful to both our Honorary and Luncheon Chairs for their generous support and leadership of Council for Life and unwavering, bold stand for Life,” stated CFL Executive Director Lee Anne Morris.

For information, visit:  councilforlife.org

About Council for Life

Council for Life (CFL) exists to empower women, men and youth to make life-affirming choices. Motivated by Christ-like love and responsive compassion, CFL is committed to raising awareness of the complex issues that surround unplanned pregnancies and to providing financial support to agencies that share their mission. Since 2001, Council for Life has raised more than $12 million to fund 70 agencies in the Dallas/Fort Worth area with life-affirming missions relating to the complex issues surrounding unplanned pregnancies. Learn more at councilforlife.org.

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DALLAS, TX - Dallas-based nonprofit Council for Life is honored to announce that two-time Super Bowl Champion placekicker for the Kansas City Chiefs, Harrison Butker, will speak at CFL’s 2024 Men’s Breakfast.

All men are invited on Monday, March 4, from 7-9 AM for a hearty breakfast, camaraderie and a powerful discussion with Harrison and his business partner, Austin Wright. The event will take place at the Dallas Country Club.

Harrison delivered the winning field goal for the Chiefs in the 2023 Super Bowl and garnered much attention when he boldly wore a pro-life tie at the championship ceremony at the White House.

“I want to give the most vulnerable, the unborn, a voice at a place where every effort has been made to allow and normalize the tragic termination of their lives,” Harrison said. “As a father who has experienced three miscarriages, my wife and I understand the hardships that come with losing a child. Every life is precious and should be valued whether outside or inside the womb.”

Council for Life hosts an event for men each year that focuses on educating and empowering men about life-affirming choices.

To purchase tables and tickets, visit: councilforlife.org/mensbreakfast

 

About Council for Life

Council for Life (CFL) exists to empower women, men and youth to make life-affirming choices. Motivated by Christ-like love and responsive compassion, CFL is committed to raising awareness of the complex issues that surround unplanned pregnancies and to providing financial support to agencies that share their mission. Since 2001, Council for Life has raised more than $12 million to fund 70 agencies in the Dallas/Fort Worth area with life-affirming missions relating to the complex issues surrounding unplanned pregnancies. Learn more at councilforlife.org.

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DALLAS, TX - Dallas-based nonprofit Council for Life is grateful to announce their Celebrating Life Luncheon on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at the Hilton Anatole Hotel featuring radio host, national speaker, and New York Times bestselling author Eric Metaxas. Council for Life is committing to raising over $1.35 million from the Luncheon to fund their 27 beneficiaries who work joyfully to support LIFE. (See the list of the beneficiaries here.) 

Metaxas is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Bonhoeffer, Martin Luther, If You Can Keep It, Amazing Grace, Miracles, Seven Men, and Seven Women. Metaxas recently published Letter to the American Church, a compelling book comparing the German church in 1935 to the American church today.  Heis also the host of the Eric Metaxas Radio Show, a two-hour daily nationally syndicated radio program covering an intentionally wide variety of topics.  Additionally, he is the founder and host of Socrates in the City, the acclaimed series of conversations on “life, God, and other small topics.”  

Eric’s commentaries, humor writing, and poetry have appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The New Yorker, The New York Times, The Washington Post and National Review. His Wall Street Journal op-ed, “Science Increasingly Makes the Case for God” is the most popular and shared piece in the history of the newspaper. Metaxas has written over 30 children’s books, including the bestsellers It’s Time to Sleep, My Love (illustrated by Nancy Tillman); Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving; and God Made You Special (VeggieTales Books). He has also written video scripts and done voice-overs for the VeggieTales videos. 

Council for Life is thrilled to honor Cindy and Tony Weber as this year’s Luncheon Honorary Co-Chairs. Cindy and Tony have been faithful supporters of CFL, with Dr. Cindy Weber serving as a board member and Tony currently serving on the CFL Advisory Board. The Webers’ love for life and involvement with pro-life ministries dates back to the 1980s. 

Sandy Ammons and Mary Louise Binning— philanthropic leaders in the Dallas community dedicated to the cause of Life — are CFL’s outstanding Luncheon Co-Chairs. “We are immensely grateful to both our Honorary and Luncheon Chairs for their generous support of Council for Life and unwavering, bold stand for Life,” states CFL’s Executive Director, Lee Anne Morris.  

For information on table and ticket opportunities, go to: councilforlife.org/luncheon2023  

 

 

About Council for Life 

Council for Life (CFL) exists to empower women, men, and youth to make life-affirming choices. Motivated by Christ-like love and responsive compassion, CFL is committed to raising awareness of the complex issues that surround unplanned pregnancies and to providing financial support to agencies that share their mission. Since 2001, Council for Life has raised more than $12 million to fund 70 agencies in the Dallas/Fort Worth area with life-affirming missions relating to the complex issues surrounding unplanned pregnancies. Learn more at councilforlife.org. 

Council for Life

DALLAS, TX – On May 4, 2023, Dallas-based nonprofit Council for Life hosted “A Future with Hope: Changing the Tragic Story of Unwanted Pregnancies and Abortions.”  The mission of Council for Life is to empower women, men and youth to make life-affirming choices.  CFL educates the community about the humanity of the preborn baby and the complex issues surrounding unplanned pregnancies.  CFL also fundraises to provide financial support to agencies that share their mission.  

Alexandrea Crutcher, Founder and CEO of The Lullaby House, was joined by Dr. Steven Harris, a Partner at Obstetrics and Gynecology Associates of Dallas, and Lisa Freeman, the Executive Director of Thrive Women’s Clinic. The panel of experts discussed the heartbreaking fact that Dallas leads the nation in pre-teen and teen pregnancies, often further exacerbated by poverty, homelessness, abusive relationships, and the stringent requirements of the state foster care system.  The panel also explored how the availability and use of chemical abortion pills have dramatically increased, even in states like Texas, where abortion is banned.

CFL Neighborhood Event co-chairs Shirley Churchill and Carla Zeller expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the featured speakers, all attendees and Ready and John Bateman for graciously hosting the event in their beautiful home. “We were honored to open our home to share this important information about teen pregnancies in Dallas and the dangers of the chemical abortion pill,” said Ready.

To watch the video of the powerful and informative panel discussion, visit: https://youtu.be/hdnfVCCcRRs  

About Council for Life

Council for Life (CFL) exists to empower women, men and youth to make life-affirming choices. Motivated by Christ-like love and responsive compassion, CFL is committed to raising awareness of the complex issues that surround unplanned pregnancies and to providing financial support to agencies that share their mission. Since 2001, Council for Life has raised more than $12 million to fund 70 agencies in the Dallas/Fort Worth area with life-affirming missions relating to the complex issues surrounding unplanned pregnancies. Learn more at councilforlife.org.

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2022 Celebrating Life Luncheon Featured Speaker Jim Caviezel

DALLAS, TX - The Chantilly Ballroom at the Hilton Anatole Hotel was filled with nearly 1,500 guests on November 14, 2022, coming together to celebrate a historical year for the cause of LIFE. The Council for Life Celebrating Life Luncheon raised over $1 million allowing the Dallas based life-affirming non-profit to fully fund its record 28 Beneficiaries for 2022. Featured speaker Jim Caviezel, the actor who portrayed Jesus in The Passion of The Christ, spoke powerfully for the unborn during the event.

Jim discussed the importance of love and how we must follow Jesus to learn about genuine love. He reminded attendees that all children despite any physical or mental challenges are "perfect in the eyes of God, and each one of these little beings teaches the world how to truly love. God needs us to be courageous in defending all of these precious children and all of the lives of the unborn."

Jim asserted there is no cause more important than affirming the "sanctity of life ethic." We must never surrender the freedoms intended by our Founding Fathers, and for which many have sacrificed mightily, for us, our children and future generations to be able to stand for moral truths. Jim’s parting words were: "My Brothers and Sisters...God chose you. So what are you going to do about it?" He quoted President Reagan saying remember this: "Evil is powerless, if the good are unafraid."

The Reverend Arthur Unachukwu, of Holy Cross Catholic Church and Council for Life Advisory Board member, opened the Luncheon with a beautiful prayer. Father Arthur thanked the Lord for and asked Him to bless all those who are part of this sacred calling, especially the Beneficiaries doing His lifesaving work.

Council for Life is grateful to Honorary Chairs Norma Hunt and Tavia and Clark Hunt for their deep personal dedication and generous philanthropic commitment to the sanctity of human life. “We are so appreciative of their outstanding leadership on Council for Life's Board of Directors and Advisory Board and generous support through the years,” said 2022 Executive Director Lee Anne Morris.

2022 Celebrating Life Luncheon Co-Chairs Billye Turner and Kelli Karlow expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Luncheon underwriters, patrons and guests and CFL’s 2022 Luncheon Beneficiaries ”serving the urgent, increased Post-Roe needs of mothers, fathers and families facing the complex issues surrounding unplanned pregnancies.”

Council for Life was especially appreciative of the distinguished government officials in attendance at the Luncheon who have fought boldly and courageously for the unborn. From Texas, CFL was honored to have Senator Bryan Hughes, Representative Tan Parker, Senator Angela Paxton and Attorney General Ken Paxton. From Mississippi, CFL was honored to have in attendance leaders instrumental in the Dobbs case— Attorney General Lynn Fitch, Solicitor General Scott Stewart and Speaker of the House Philip Gunn.

Watch the 2022 Celebrating Life Luncheon video including highlights of the leadership and missions of Catholic Pro-Life Community, Fort Worth Pregnancy Center and Hope Women's Center here.

About Council for Life

Council for Life (CFL) exists to empower women, men and youth to make life-affirming choices. Motivated by Christ-like love and responsive compassion, CFL is committed to raising awareness of the complex issues that surround unplanned pregnancies and to providing financial support to agencies that share their mission. Since 2001, Council for Life has raised more than $11 million to fund more than 60 agencies in the Dallas/Fort Worth area with life- affirming missions relating to the complex issues surrounding unplanned pregnancies. Learn more at councilforlife.org.

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pp1.jpg Billye Turner, Mimi and Bill Vanderstraaten, Kelli Karlow

Dallas based life-affirming nonprofit Council for Life hosted an unforgettable event on Wednesday, October 27, to honor the organization’s Celebrating Life Luncheon Patrons. 

Longtime CFL supporters Mimi and Bill Vanderstraaten graciously hosted at their beautiful home on the flawless October evening. Guests enjoyed themselves immensely as they looked forward tothe sold-out Celebrating Life Luncheon on Monday, November 14, at the Hilton Anatole Hotel. 

Council for Life is thankful to Senior Pastor Bryan Dunagan of Highland Park Presbyterian Church for his prayer honoring those who protect vulnerable unborn babies and the mothers, fathers and families facing the complex issues of unplanned pregnancies. 

Attendees listened to the inspiring testimony of Ashley Potts, Founder and Executive Director of Selah Creek, one of CFL’s 28 incredible life-affirming 2022 Beneficiaries. Her compelling description of the challenges her maternity home faces post-Roe reinforced the urgent, increased needs of all CFL’s 2022 Beneficiaries that donations are supporting this year. 

Although the Celebrating Life Luncheon is sold out, you may add your name to the waitlist to attend here: https://bit.ly/22CFLLuncheonWaitlist  

Cannot make it to the Luncheon? You can still donate to support CFL’s 28 amazing Life-affirming Beneficiaries here: https://councilforlife.org/donate/  

Do not forget to enter to win CFL's two fabulous raffle prizes here by visiting: https://bit.ly/BuyLuncheonRaffleTix22  

You need not be present to win! 

About Council for Life 

Council for Life (CFL) exists to empower women, men and youth to make life-affirming choices. Motivated by Christ-like love and responsive compassion, CFL is committed to raising awareness of the complex issues that surround unplanned pregnancies and to providingfinancial support to agencies that share their mission. Since 2001, Council for Life has raised more than $11 million to fund 65 agencies in the Dallas/Fort Worth area with life-affirming missions relating to the complex issues surrounding unplanned pregnancies. Learn more at councilforlife.org 

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The Council for Life 21st Annual Celebrating Life Luncheon on Monday, November 14, 2022 is SOLD OUT!
 
BUT you can enter to WIN TWO AMAZING RAFFLE ITEMS NOW!
 
You need NOT be present to win!
 
CLICK HERE to Buy Your Raffle Tickets Now:
 
Our wonderful Raffle Items include:
 
A handmade Art Deco Platinum Cross Necklace embellished with 1.85 carats of Diamonds
in a filigree edge Valued at $10,000
generously donated by William Noble Rare Jewels
 
A $5,000 Highland Park Village Shopping Experience
(Includes Two Hours with a Highland Park Village Personal Shopper)
generously donated by Highland Park Village
 
Winners will be announced at the Celebrating Life Luncheon. 
GOOD LUCK! We are forever grateful for your generous, faithful support of our mission to Celebrate and Protect LIFE!
 

About Council for Life

Council for Life (CFL) exists to empower women, men and youth to make life-affirming choices. Motivated by Christ-like love and responsive compassion, CFL is committed to raising awareness of the complex issues that surround unplanned pregnancies and to providing financial support to agencies that share their mission. Since 2001, Council for Life has raised more than $10 million to fund 60 agencies in the Dallas/Fort Worth area with life-affirming missions relating to the complex issues surrounding unplanned pregnancies. Learn more at councilforlife.org

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2022 Celebrating Life Luncheon featured Speaker Jim Caviezel

DALLAS, TX - Dallas-based nonprofit Council for Life is proud to announce their 21st Celebrating Life Luncheon on Monday, November 14, 2022, at the Hilton Anatole with featured speaker Jim Caviezel, the actor who portrayed Jesus in The Passion of The Christ. Council for Life is committing — for the first time — to funding over $1 million of the proceeds of the Luncheon from their generous donors to a record-breaking 28 beneficiaries who work joyfully to support LIFE.

Jim Caviezel is best known as Jesus in The Passion of the Christ and as John Reese in the hit TV series Person of Interest. Caviezel also has an upcoming film release, Sound of Freedom, that is the true-life story of Tim Ballard, a former U.S. government agent who quit his job to devote his life to rescuing children from global sex traffickers.

As a devout Catholic, Caviezel is an outspoken advocate for the unborn and their right to life, speaking nationally on the subject. He has been married to his wife Kerri for 26 years, and they have three children, all of whom are adopted from China. Two of their children have severe medical issues.

Council for Life is thrilled to honor Norma Hunt and Tavia and Clark Hunt as this year’s Luncheon Honorary Co-Chairs. The Hunt family is known for faith, family, and football, and they have been members and leaders of Council for Life for decades. Norma is the wife of the late sports pioneer Lamar Hunt — founder of the American Football League and the Kansas City Chiefs — and she is often referred to as the First Lady of Football. Tavia and Clark Hunt continue their family’s legacy in sports and in philanthropy.

Kelli Karlow and Billye Turner — philanthropic leaders in the Dallas community dedicated to the cause of Life — are CFL’s outstanding Luncheon Co-Chairs. “We are immensely grateful to both our Honorary and Luncheon Chairs for their faithful, generous support of Council for Life and unwavering, bold stand for Life,” states CFL’s Executive Director, Lee Anne Morris.

About Council for Life

Council for Life (CFL) exists to empower women, men and youth to make life-affirming choices. Motivated by Christ-like love and responsive compassion, CFL is committed to raising awareness of the complex issues that surround unplanned pregnancies and to providing financial support to agencies that share their mission. Since 2001, Council for Life has raised more than $10 million to fund 60 agencies in the Dallas/Fort Worth area with life-affirming missions relating to the complex issues surrounding unplanned pregnancies. Learn more at councilforlife.org.

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Administrative Assistant Priscilla Overton, Director of Communication and Philanthropy Suzanne Everbach, Board President Cathy Sisk, Founder Emeritus Ann Carruth, PR & Media Consultant Maggie Caine, Director of Finance Natalie Seigel, and Executive Director Lee Anne Morris

DALLAS, TX - Dallas-based life-affirming nonprofit, Council for Life, announces the appointment of Lee Anne Morris as the organization's first Executive Director and Suzanne Everbach as the organization’s first Director of Communication and Philanthropy. Natalie Siegel will continue to serve as the Director of Finance.

Morris brings to Council for Life extensive ministry leadership experience with Bible Study Fellowship and legal experience with two Dallas law firms. Lee Anne is passionate about speaking for the sanctity of Life and assisting the Council for Life Staff and Board educate the community about the complex issues that surround unplanned pregnancies and raise funds to support the agencies that share CFL’s mission. She helps CFL pursue its mission to empower women, men, and youth to make life-affirming choices and remain faithful to its Core Values. Lee Anne graduated from Franklin and Marshall College and Emory University School of Law.

“During my ten-year involvement with Council for Life, I have been inspired by CFL’s exceptional volunteers and outstanding staff who wholeheartedly believe in the sanctity of Life, that human life begins at conception, and that every unborn baby bears the image of God,” said Morris. “I stand in awe of the magnificent work of the CFL Beneficiaries, and I am humbled and deeply grateful to have the privilege to help CFL carry out our mission to educate our community and raise funds to financially support local life-affirming agencies.”

Everbach has been the Chief Operating Officer of Council for Life for three years and brings a depth and breadth of knowledge to the role of Director of Communication and Philanthropy. She draws from her experience as an attorney, CPA, and development director for other organizations to carry out her responsibilities. Suzanne cares deeply about the sanctity of Life and the work of CFL to protect every precious unborn baby. She will continue to direct CFL’s exceptional communication and donor development efforts. Suzanne insightfully tracks the ever-changing legal and legislative landscape related to Life issues and provides comprehensive educational summaries for the Council for Life Board and constituents. Suzanne received her undergraduate and law degrees from Southern Methodist University.

Natalie Siegel will continue to serve as the Director of Finance for Council for Life. She has been involved with Council for Life since 2009 by contributing her experience in accounting and finance to help streamline and maximize CFL’s fundraising efforts, Affiliate Program, and Beneficiary grant application process. Natalie believes in the worth and dignity of every human life and is honored to use her talents to further the mission of CFL. She received her undergraduate business degree from Southern Methodist University and Master’s in Business Administration from Pepperdine University.

Volunteer-led since 2001, Council for Life engaged in critically important Strategic Planning meetings throughout 2021 to seek God’s direction for the future of the organization. As a result of these sessions, in January 2022, Lee Anne Morris joined the team as Executive Director, Suzanne Everbach became Director of Communication and Philanthropy and Natalie Siegel continued as Director of Finance. Together with two parttime staff, Maggie Caine, PR and Social Media Manager and Priscilla Overton, Administrative Assistant, they form the CFL staff under the leadership of Founder Emeritus Ann Carruth.

“For 20 years, Council for Life has been a volunteer-led organization effectively and skillfully providing educational and financial blessing to so many mothers, babies, fathers, and families in unplanned pregnancies,” stated Carruth. “God is now calling us to do even more for our DFW community and expand our borders beyond Dallas. In 2021 we started the Council for Life Affiliate in Central Texas. To do our work, God has given us new personnel grounded in their Christian faith to lead Council for Life. I could not be more pleased with the addition of Lee Anne Morris as Executive Director, the continuation of Natalie Siegel as Director of Finance and the expansion of Suzanne Everbach into the role of Director of Communication and Philanthropy. The skills, experience, and passion these women bring to Council for Life are essential for this pivotal moment we are in for Life."

About Council for Life

Council for Life (CFL) exists to empower women, men, and youth to make life-affirming choices. Motivated by Christ-like love and responsive compassion, CFL is committed to raising awareness of the complex issues that surround unplanned pregnancies and to providing financial support to agencies that share their mission. Since 2001, Council for Life has raised more than $10 million to fund more than 60 agencies in the Dallas/Fort Worth area with life-affirming missions relating to the complex issues surrounding unplanned pregnancies. Learn more at councilforlife.org.