Running History of LHHL

In May, 1997, identification of "individuals worthy of recognition for their exemplary contributions to the pro-life movement" was an idea conceived by a number of people in the Rochester area. To identify such an individual was felt best done at some type of event which would afford opportunity to educate the public about the individual's activities and the life issue of abortion. To smoothly accomplish an event, it was felt that it would be best sponsored by an existing organization with a mission to educate about abortion, infanticide and euthanasia.

The Rochester Area Right to Life Committee, Inc. Education Fund was approached with the plan and agreed that the activity could be done with the then named, Leo Holmsten Human Life Committee, (LHHL) being an affiliate of the RARTL Education Fund Funds and expenses would be kept separate. The LHHL program, to be primarily run by individuals on the LHHL Committee, would receive some assistance, e.g. a mailing address, use of office for activities, e.g. mailing preparation; computer usage for record keeping, etc.

Simultaneously, other area groups working with the same populations, but in varying manners, were invited to be co-sponsors of the "recognition event." That included the opportunity to vote for the award recipient, be identified as a co-sponsor, issue invitations to their membership, make program suggestions for the award event and make a modest financial donation to help cover postal expenses. The co-sponsors for the 1997 Award event joining Rochester Area Right to Life Education Fund, were Birthright of Rochester, Faith Haven, Crisis Pregnancy Center, Parish Pro-Life Network, Feminists for Life of Western NY, Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester, Problem Pregnancy Help Center, Bethel Full Gospel Church, St. Thomas More Lawyers' Guild, Pro-life Planning Committee Project Rachel and St. Luke Medical Association.

As discussion about the value of this type event was informally conducted, many people were asked to suggest a person to receive the award With near unanimity, the name given was that of Leo Holmsten, M.D., an area obstetrician/gynecologist. He agreed to accept the award; several weeks later, he was no longer in remission from cancer. It was a unanimous decision by all co-sponsors that the award be named the Leo Holmsten Human Life Award. The Award Banquet was held on September 15, 1997, at the Four Points Hotel with Dr. Holmsten and approximately 350 people present at a cost of $22 per person. The program focused on Dr. Holmsten's early medical career involvement as Medical Director for Planned Parenthood, his recognition of his rejection of abortion and his then continuous medical work as a pro-life obstetrician/gynecologist and spokesperson for the pro-life position across the state.

When planned originally, the event was considered a one time event. Following Dr. Holmsten's death in November, 1997, the LHHL Committee, RARTL and the co-sponsors felt the event should be repeated for another honoree. Thus the annual award presentation, with the accompanying publicity, began. The LHHL Committee continued as a standing committee of the RARTL Education Fund until November 12, 2002 when it became incorporated as the Leo Holmsten Human Life Committee, Inc. It no longer used direct assistance from RARTL Committee, Inc. as it had in the years from 1997 through 2002.

The following are summarizes the LHHL Committee activities: