McHenry County Dems Jefferson Dinner Honors 100 Years of Women’s Suffrage in Illinois

The Eighth Annual Thomas Jefferson Dinner celebrates the 100th anniversary of an important milestone in the struggle for justice and equality in America. It was just a century ago that Illinois became the very first state east of the Mississippi to pass legislation allowing women to vote for President of the United States.

Predating the final ratification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution by seven years, the Illinois Municipal Voting Act of 1913 was but one of many steps on the road to full suffrage for women in Illinois and nationally. On June 10, 1919, Illinois became the first state in the nation to ratify the 19th Amendment.

These events will be celebrated at the Dinner, sponsored by the Democratic Party of McHenry County which will be held at Prairie Lodge at Sun City, 12880 Del Webb Boulevard in Huntley.  Registration and cocktail hour begins at 6 pm followed by dinner at 7 pm and the program and awards at 8 pm.

Governor Pat Quinn is just one of the many dignitaries and office holders who will participate.

The historic leadership of Illinois in advancing equal rights for women is of special interest to those of us who have dedicated our political passions to the creation of a more just society. We are right to be proud of the progress made by and for the women of Illinois and our nation.  Not only will the program honor that progress, it will rally a rededication to continuing that tradition today and in the future.

Two women who have been extremely important to the successes of the Democratic Party of McHenry County, Kathy Bergan Schmidt and Paula Yensen will be honored for their contributions to the Party and to the community.

Tickets to the dinner are $80 each or a table of 10 for $800 and can be ordered from the party on its web page at http://www.mchenrydems.org/jefferson_dinner_2013518?splash=1 .  But do it today, time is running out.

For more information contact Party Chair Michael Bissett at chair@mchenrydems.org or call 847 906-1559.

I hope to see a lot of old friends at this fine event.