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The nearly 1,300 pro-family Virginians who gathered at the Greater Richmond Convention Center last night at The Family Foundation of Virginia’s Annual Gala were treated to a fantastic evening of inspiration, motivation and topped off by a wonderful keynote address by former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee. The host of the Fox News Channel hit Huckabee was in great form with an inspirational speech filled with philosophy, morality, Biblical principles, humor (lava soap, anyone?) and capped with a moving exposition as to what happens when people ignore the tragedies around them (see Washington Post Virginia Politics Blog). 

Just a week before election day, it was abundantly clear that pro-family citizens are excited about the future and are mobilized to act. The energy in the convention center was palpable. From the beginning of the program with an inspirational rendition of our National Anthem by eight-year-old Alana Springsteen to the final special music by April Lee, no one could leave room last night not feeling excited about the future of Virginia and the future of The Family Foundation.

Governor Huckabee combined humor with personal stories and an emotional challenge to the crowd, encouraging them to fight for our freedom, regardless of the cost. Touching on his time as a pastor and then as a politician, he made it abundantly clear that there is no time when Christians should abandon politics and government. Instead, we must continue to fight for our values to ensure a prosperous future.

As Family Foundation of Virginia President Victoria Cobb told the audience:

We look forward to election day this year with cautious optimism. One might even say we look forward to the future with hope for change. Yet, while we may anticipate electoral victory, we realize that it is just one small part of the cultural renewal that we seek, and there is so much more to be done. The Family Foundation has had one of the busiest years in our history, but the results on Election Day are not the completion of our work – just a new beginning. 

The Family Foundation Gala has become the largest pro-family gathering of its kind in Virginia and Governor Huckabee’s message was perfect for the evening. Joining the him in the program were our emcee, and new Chaplain to The Family Foundation’s Pastors For Family Values, Bishop Earl Jackson; Speaker of the House Bill Howell, who introduced Governor Huckabee; and Pastor Jonathan Falwell of Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg, who gave the invocation and voiced strong support for the Family Foundation’s work.

Also last evening, Delegate Glenn Oder (R-94, Newport News) was honored with The Family Foundation’s Legislator of the Year Award for his leadership on payday lending reform (see The Shad Plank). Delegate Oder showed principled leadership and an ability to work with a diverse coalition of organizations and legislators to get results on a tough issue. The compromise bill he was able to craft has significantly reduced the number of payday lending stores in Virginia and helped protect families from predatory lenders.

Annotations & Elucidations 

The Day After

Wow! What an evening last night! We’ll have a review and other highlights later, and hopefully some video later in the week. Mike Huckabee brought down the Greater Richmond Convention Center with an inspirational speech filled with philosophical overtones overlayed with moral and Biblical principles, capped with a moving exposition as to what happens when people stand idly by and ignore the events around them. We have coverage from the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Washington Post Virginia Politics Blog and The Shad Plank Blog.

Meanwhile, President Obama is in Norfolk today to campaign for Democrat Creigh Deeds. If he’s truly the chosen one, he should be able to raise this campaign from the dead, right? As he passes the gates of D.C. into Virginia, the POTUS will see a new Post poll that shows Republican candidate Bob McDonnell stretching his lead to 11 points. He leads in campaign donations, too, the latest filing reports show.

In Commentary, Thomas Sowell looks at the dismantling of America, Bobby Eberle excoriates Republicans and the president, and Richard Olivastro reports on an “under God” button controversy. There’s more, too, as well as a full National News section. Read up! We’re only a week away.

*McDonnell leads Deeds in poll, cash (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

*Huckabee draws a crowd in Richmond (Washington Post Virginia Politics Blog)

*Huckabee in Richmond tonight as Del. Oder snags award . . . (The Shad Plank Blog)

McDonnell’s edge over Deeds grows stronger (Washington Post)

Heading into homestretch, McDonnell has more cash (Roanoke Times)

Competition for 17th District House of Delegates seat in home stretch (Roanoke Times)

National News:

No guarantees on Senate health bill’s public plan (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Long-term care insurance program gains in the House (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Pelosi: ‘There’s got to be a better name for this’ (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Senate Leader Harry Reid faces tough re-election (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Obama admin concerned about freedom of speech (AP/GOPUSA.com)

Commentary:

Dismantling America (Thomas Sowell/GOPUSA.com)

Obama’s War On Fox Is Liberalism’s War On Dissent (David Limbaugh/GOPUSA.com)

‘One Nation Under God’ Button ‘Terminated’ (Richard Olivastro/GOPUSA.com)

Scratch Another GOP Candidate Off The List For 2012 (Doug Patton/GOPUSA.com)

Message to Republican Leaders: Get a Clue! (Bobby Eberle/GOPUSA.com)

Obama Bails Out When Asked About Fox News (Bobby Eberle/GOPUSA.com)

We’re all excited that our big day is here: The Annual Family Foundation of Virginia Gala with keynote speaker Mike Huckabee, the former Arkansas governor and presidential candidate, and current host of the hit Fox News Channel program Huckabee. Although there are opportunities to live blog from the event and other activities, such as the press availability with Governor Huckabee this afternoon, we’re going to take in the sights and sounds and report to you tomorrow and throughout the rest of the week.

The Gala will be a memorable event, to say the least. In addition to what will be a dynamite presentation by Governor Huckabee, other speakers and performers, a near capacity crowd of 1,300 people in attendance (doubling last year) will guarantee a unique experience of camaraderie and fellowship. The good news is, you can still attend! Although online registration closed at 1:00 p.m. today, some tickets are still available at the door at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.

Doors to the ballroom will open at 6:30 p.m., but with the large crowd we encourage you to arrive early to have time to find parking and make it to the ballroom. The event will begin promptly at 7:00 p.m.

The reception for full table sponsors will begin at 5:30 p.m. Because of the large crowd and photo line with Governor Huckabee please plan to arrive at the reception promptly. Looking forward to seeing old friends and making new ones. Anyone who wants to meet yours truly, please ask the staff. I’ll be around. Looking forward to bringing to everyone reviews and thoughts over the next few days.

Time is running out to make a reservation for The Family Foundation’s 2009 Annual Gala. This year’s Gala is this coming Monday, October 26, at 7:00 p.m., at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee is the keynote speaker (click here to listen to him preview his speech on a radio interview). Former Governor Huckabee now hosts the ratings leading weekend show Huckabee on Fox News Channel.

We anticipate a record of more than 1,300 guests at this year’s Gala (who said conservatism is dead in Virginia?), but the Convention Center Grand Ballroom still has some seats and tables available. To reserve your seat or for sponsorship information, call The Family Foundation at 804-343-0010, e-mail Gala@FamilyFoundation.org, or click here.

The Downtown Marriott, directly across the street from the Convention Center at 5th and East Broad Streets, has contracted with The Family Foundation to block off rooms for Gala guests. To make reservations for the significantly discounted group rate, please contact the Marriott at 1-800-228-9290 and mention The Family Foundation Gala.

EVENT DETAILS

Monday, October 26

Greater Richmond Convention Center Grand Ballroom, corner of 5th and East Broad Streets

5:30 p.m.: Private Reception and Photo Opportunity for Table Sponsors

7:00 p.m.: Program and Dinner

Business Attire

Late last week, former Arkansas governor and presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, who is the keynote speaker at our upcoming Annual Gala, gave an interview to American Family Radio’s Richmond affiliate. The host of cable television’s highest rated weekend program, Huckabee, which airs on Fox News Channel, was as you would expect: intelligent, forthright, unafraid to speak the truth, and willing to impart knowledge from nearly 20 years in elected statewide office and as a presidential candidate, as well as from his background as a pastor. In the nine minute interview with host JimmyG, he confronted crucial social issues that afflict our country and how they affect all other issues, and gave a preview of his remarks to the nearly 1,300 who are expected to hear him Monday, October 26, at The Family Foundation of Virginia’s Annual Gala at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. (For more information about The Gala, click here.)

To listen to the interview (9:10) with Mike Hukabee on AFR Richmond’s JimmyG Show, click here.

First we announced the blockbuster news that the keynote speaker at our Annual Gala on Monday, October 26, would be former Arkansas governor and Fox News host Mike Huckabee, whom you can hear in an exclusive interview at 5:30 this afternoon (or on archive, later) by clicking here. (For more information, click here.)

Now we have are proud to announce that our musical guest will be none other than Springsteen! No, this isn’t a cheap trick, where we will use a projection program to simulate an in-person appearance. This will be the real, live thing!

As those who were born in the USA, a land of hope and dreams, we don’t want our principles to fade away. We believe that better days are ahead for the American land. It’s not a leap of faith to believe that glory days await for those willing to stand up and fight for our principles. We weren’t born to run, we were born to stand! So, we bring you Springsteen! That’s Alana Springsteen. The eight-year-old extraordinary talent is going to sing the national anthem to kick off the Gala. Check out this phenom at her Web site, here. 

Governor Huckabee isn’t the only national media figure who speak at the Gala. Bishop Earl Jackson also will join us. Bishop Jackson, former director of the Christian Coalition’s Samaritan Purse, is a nationally recognized pro-family leader who appears regularly on national television. Joining him in the program are Speaker of the House of Delegates Bill Howell (R-28, Fredericksburg) and Delegate Mark Cole (R-88, Fredericksburg), who will make a special presentation.

More than 1,100 seats now are reserved and space is running short, so if you haven’t reserved your seat please do so today as we may reach capacity soon! We have contracted with the Richmond Marriott, directly across the street from the Gala’s venue, the Greater Richmond Convention Center, for a block of rooms for Gala guests. To make reservations for the significantly discounted group rate, please contact the Marriott at 1-800-228-9290 and mention The Family Foundation Gala. For questions, or to register by phone, please call The Family Foundation at 1-804-343-0010, or e-mail dan@familyfoundation.org for more details.

If you registered online for The Family Foundation Gala between Wednesday, September 16, and Friday, September 25, and did not receive a confirmation e-mail, your transaction most likely did not complete. Please call The Family Foundation at (804) 343-0010 to speak with Hillary or Wylie so we may confirm your transaction and attendance.

If you have not yet made your reservation for the October 26 Gala at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, you may do so today by clicking here. You may also e-mail us at Gala@FamilyFoundation.org or call (804) 343-0010. The sponsors reception and photo opportunity with keynote speaker, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, is at 5:30 p.m. The dinner and program begins at 7:00.

Already, more than 900 people have registered, topping last year’s 600-plus. So if you haven’t, and want to attend, register now!

This near capacity crowd makes advertising in our Gala program an even more appealing opportunity, so don’t miss the October 9 deadline. The Gala program is an excellent opportunity for pro-family small business owners or family-friendly organizations to promote themselves to like-minded conservatives. Full page ads begin for as little as $285, and smaller sizes are available.

To download complete details, click here, call (804) 343-0010 or e-mail Hillary@FamilyFoundation.org.

Out of town Gala attendees desiring to stay overnight may receive a discounted group rate at The Richmond Marriott-Downtown, located directly across the street from the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Call (804) 643-3400 and mention The Family Foundation Annual Gala for more information. The deadline for the guaranteed group rate is next Monday, October 5.

Tickets for The Family Foundation of Virginia’s 2009 Annual Gala, featuring keynote speaker Mike Huckabee, the former Arkansas governor and presidential candidate, and current host of his own show on Fox News Channel, now are available online!

To purchase tickets, sign up for sponsorships and find other details online about this marquee event, click here to visit our Web site.

Space is limited so sign up now before tables and seats fill up!

The Gala is Monday, October 26, at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. A private sponsors reception and photo line with Governor Huckabee will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7:00 p.m. Suggested dress is business attire. Sponsorship benefits for the various levels include seats at Governor Huckabee’s table, a photo with him, a private reception and autographed books.

Click here for complete details.

Mike Huckabee is the host of the number one rated weekend cable hit, Huckabee, on the Fox News Channel. Known for his strong stand in defense of the unborn and traditional marriage, he is a former Baptist minister who ran for and won elected office. He is the embodiment of everything the angry far left in our nation hates — a combination of church and state!

There is a discounted group rate available at The Richmond Marriott-Downtown, for out of town guests who wish to stay overnight. The hotel is located directly across the street from the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Please call the Marriott at (804) 643-3400 and mention The Family Foundation Annual Gala for more information.

For questions, more information or to register by phone, please call The Family Foundation office at (804) 343-0010.

A big thank you to each and every one of the 600-plus who attended our Annual Gala last night: attendees, sponsors, volunteers, speakers, perfomers . . . everyone. You all have our sincerest, most heartfelt gratitude for all that you did to make last night a great success!

We made it known that Phill Kline was not to be missed and he did not disappoint. There wasn’t one person in the Greater Richmond Convention Center last night who wasn’t genuinely inspired with his message of putting principle over politics, of what true leadership is, of allowing ourselves to be intolerant of injustice, especially injustice to the innocent-unborn; and the real characteristics of the in-fashion word “hope” (hint: you can’t have hope without faith because hope is an expectation of something good yet to come, which is . . . faith).

For those not able to attend as well as who did and want to re-live the event, please return here next week and beyond: We hope to post pictures from the Gala and video of Mr. Kline’s speech. We also hope to have more on yesterday’s news conference at which Mr. Kline also attended.

Despite what many consider down times in Virginia (and America) for conservatism and traditional, Christian values in the public realm, last night’s overwhelming outpouring of support, enthusiam and dedication to cause proves that our philosophy of limited government, liberty and protection of the family still resonates and thrives.

We sincerely cannot thank adequately enough all of you great Virginians who continue to support The Family Foundation of Virginia throughout the year with your time, financial contributions, counsel, steadfast encouragement in good times and bad, and for all manners of support you provide. Most of all, we deeply appreciate your constant prayers for us and our mission. Please know we reciprocate those prayers to all of you.

The Family Foundation’s Annual Gala is just 48 hours away — this Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. More than 550 people from across the commonwealth have responded that they will be in attendance. 

In an age where the Angry Left is flouting their strength in Virginia (read this) and across the country — in some cases, taking to the streets to intimidate anyone with a different opinion (see video)— many people are counting out the conservatism, not to mention Christian conservatives and those who believe in traditional values such as life and marriage. Our gala is one refuge from that and an evening of affirmation and reinvigoration of our cause. We hope you will attend.

While we still have some tickets available and it’s not too late to reserve yours. Individual tickets are $85 and a couple’s ticket is $165. To make a purchase, call 804-343-0010 by Wednesday afternoon.

Your attendance will be worth it. You won’t want to miss the inspiring message of former Kansas Attorney General Phill Kline. He is one of the rare elected officials who has placed principle over politics, someone who gives you faith that there are those in public office who do not check their principles at the door when entering the halls of power. Don’t miss your opportunity to hear this dynamic speaker in person. 

In addition, several of the state police chaplains who resigned when ordered not to pray “in Jesus name” will also be with us and will lead the blessing. Like Phill Kline, these chaplains have paid a personal price in not compromising their beliefs (click here for more information on our guests and the gala). 

The Family Foundation Annual Gala is a signature event each year on conservative Virginians’ calendars. We hope we’ll see you this Thursday evening, and join us in getting encouragement and re-energized for the battles that lie ahead. For further information, please click here.

Here’s a short video of Phill Kline defining leadership — standing for what you believe, and having faith that those principles will serve you well no matter the political ramifications: