Well-known attorney Gloria Allred headlined this year's Personal PAC luncheon, which largely focused on upcoming elections and reproductive rights.
Approximately 900 people, including Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, attended the fundraiser, held at the Hilton Chicago hotel Oct. 30.
Allred, a rape survivor who had an illegal abortion when she was younger, criticized lawmakers such as Rep. Todd Akin, whose comments about rape and abortion have stirred controversy this election season.
"These extremists are everywhere," said Allred, adding later, "I am very very worried about this election."
Allred read an open letter she had addressed to Akin after he commented that in cases of "legitimate rape," women's bodies fended off pregnancy. She also criticized conservative Illinois Congressman Joe Walsh and Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney as she supported the re-election of President Obama.
Other speakers also focused on the upcoming election and what they could mean for reproductive rights both locally and nationally.
Personal PAC President/CEO Terry Cosgrove urged attendees to vote and keep pro-choice leaders in office.
"It's pro-choice or no choice," he said. "This election is urgent."
Personal PAC honored Marjorie Bentonwho co-founded the Chicago Foundation for Women, the Women's Issues Network and The Peace Museumwith the Irving B. Harris Spirit of Choice Award.
Benton encouraged attendees to look at issues facing women globally.
"Violence against women is worldwide," she said. "We must never underestimate the number of people who want to turn back the clock."
Jon O'Brien, president of Catholics for Choice, accepted the Pro-Choice Leadership Award.
O'Brien decried what he characterized as pressure from Catholic bishops to vote against pro-choice and pro-LGBT candidates.
"You can't have freedom of religion without freedom from religion," he said.