In response to Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day, hundreds gathered Aug. 1 at Hearty restaurant in Boystown for a "Chick-fil-Gay" counter-fundraiser to support Equality Illinois.
Conservative politician Mike Huckabee called for traditional marriage supporters to patronize Chick-fil-A amid the backlash from the LGBT community after Chick-fil-A President/COO Dan Cathy publicly said, "I think we are inviting God's judgment on our nation when we shake our fist at Him and say, 'We know better than you as to what constitutes a marriage.'"
Hearty restaurant owners and partners Steve McDonagh and Dan Smith decided to fight back, offering a breaded chicken breast sandwich on a toasted buttered bun with pickles and a side of waffle fries, a la Chick-fil-A's classic. All of the proceeds went to Equality Illinois.
"We decided to make lemons out of lemonade," said McDonagh.
McDonagh and Smith, who have a son together, previously battled Huckabee in 2010 when he came out against gay couples adopting, saying "Children are not puppies." The couple publicly invited Huckabee to dinner in their home so he could get to know their family.
"We wanted [Huckabee] to know who he was hurting with his language," said McDonagh.
Huckabee did not respond to the invitation.
Local politicians, including openly gay officials state Rep. Greg Harris and Ald. James Cappleman, also stopped in for a Hearty chicken sandwich.
"I'm getting married in September to my partner of 20 plus years, and I want to send a message to Mr. Cathy that we don't tolerate bigotry," said Cappleman.
Patrons were waiting outside when the Hearty restaurant opened at 5 p.m. McDonagh expected to raise at least $2,500 for Equality Illinois from sandwich sales and donations.
"I've had people calling me from across the country to donate," said McDonagh. A New York man bought 25 sandwiches over the phone, all of which were donated to the Lakeview Pantry.
"This is a really fun night. It's amazing, the response," said McDonagh.