Joe Scheidler was invited to give the keynote address at the annual Porter County Right to Life dinner in Chesterton, IN, Saturday, November 11. Arriving in Chesterton a little early due to confusion over the time zones in Indiana, the Scheidlers spent several hours at the country home of Al and Bernie Raffin. The Raffins are a true pro-life family—they have twelve children and fifty-three grandchildren, participate in Face the Truth tours, and picket and pray at the Valparaiso hospital where abortions are performed. Al Raffin, Jr. is the president of Porter County Right to Life.
Julie Wheeland of Valparaiso, a long-time pro-life activist, helped to coordinate the annual dinner and silent auction held at the Sand Creek Country Club. Dave Koontz, vice-president of Indiana Right to Life, served as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening.
Richard and Elda Smith, son and daughter-in-law of the League’s faithful volunteer, Marie Smith, were among the dinner guests at the banquet, as was Mary Lou Buckel, who volunteered at the Pro-Life Action League in the 1980’s, before moving to Indiana. The Scheidlers are always delighted to run into old friends when they attend pro-life events away from Chicago.
