10/27 Update

[Angie McMahon]

As promised here is the update for the Rally to Restore Sanity
Chicago.

We have a line up! Here is who we have speaking at our event:

Aaron Freeman is our Host and MC for the Event

Here is our event plan:

11am DC feed
11:10am Flash Dance Mob
11:15am Opening Comments from Angie McMahon
11:20 Aaron Freeman
11:30 Michael O’Toole (musician and Satirist)
11:40 Don Hall (Commentator/blogger)
11:50 Rick Garcia (Director of Public Policy with Equality Illinois)
Noon BC (Comedy Novelty Band)
12:10 Progressive Alliance (activists group)
12:15 Aaron Weaver (Comedian)
12:25 DC Feed
12:30 Jorge Mujeica (Illinois Immigration Rights Advocate)
12:40 Ray Hanania (Comedian)
12:50 Michael Patrick Thornton (ABC’s Private Practice)
1pm Dr. Rob Stone (Health Care Advocate)
1:10pm Brian Babylon (Comedian)
1:20pm Bucky Haker (musician)
1:30 Rich Whitney (Green Party Gov Candidate)
1:40 Greg Hollimon (Comedy Central’s Strangers With Candy)
1:50 Danny Draher (Musician)
Final DC Feed

Here is what you should know about the lineup. Everyone has been
asked to speak about the core ideas of the Rally, that being each side
Left and Right can have a disagreement on hot button topics without
hate speech and name calling. We tried to cover a board range of hot
button topics specifically for this reason.

What else is going on with the Rally?

We have an after party planned presented by Presented by The Chicago
Grid magazine, The SCENE Chicago NightLife & the Progressive Alliance--
Cook County. There will be free food at the party. They are asking
for a $5 suggested donation to cover some basic costs of after
party. They have committed to giving the Rally back $1 of every $5
donated. You can find out all the details on the event tab at the top
of the facebook page.

Our budget remains the same today (thank goodness) and we had some
great headway on our fundraising. As it stands we are at $18,876.83
with all donations. We are trying to hit $20,173 before Friday (when
most checks need to be written ☺ If you can give please do at this
donation link:
http://rally4sanitychi.chipin.com/rally-to-restore-sanity-chicago

The Chicago Park Dist would like me to remind everyone that the event
is happening at Jackson and Columbus at the Band Shell in Butler
Field. We had at one point talked about doing a march. That is not
happening, the ONLY event that is happening is at Butler Field.
Please go to that location to get your Sanity on.

Finally I wanted to end tonight’s update on a personal note. It was
pointed out to me today that from start to finish this entire Chicago
movement has come about in just 38 days. I know lots and lots of
press is coming out (especially Thurs and Fri) as well as some after
press from those coming to the event. I know this is the time that
hate speech comes into play (when we can be nameless and faceless on
the internet). I want to say a couple of things. #1 yes I started
the facebook page, and yes I am the person with all her info on the
fancy new non profit papers, and yes my name in on the permit so if we
don’t cover costs guess who has to pay for it. And yes some folks
might not like how casual or honest I am. But I am not a corporation,
I am a person who started a facebook page and found out how important
this was to so many people and stumbled her way through organizing a
major event. I have in no way shape or form done it alone, but I have
put a lot of personal family time and business time aside to see this
through. I know a lot of rally members have always sent praise and
strength my way to see me to the end. I can’t thank you enough for
that. For those who don’t like how I have organized this event, or
what I have said in the press, or that I talk about my kid too much,
here is what I have to say. I am one person…and doing my best for all
of us. And if you don’t want to come there is a lovely event
happening at the Bennigans near by at the same time where you can
watch the entire DC rally with other Bennigan customers.

That’s all for me tonight Rally members, keep spreading the word.
More updates tomorrow.