About this Event
936 miles for immigrant families
Chicago pastor Father Gary Graf reflects on the roots, the highlights, and the meaning of his walk from Pope Leo's boyhood home to the Statue of Liberty.
Ever since his ordination in 1984, Father Gary Graf has been connected to the immigrant community in deep and lasting ways. He spent five years of his early priesthood at the Archdiocese's mission in Mexico and has worked largely among immigrants in the parishes he has served. As Operation Midway Blitz gripped Chicagoland, as fear took hold and children were separated from their parents, he felt compelled to do something, deciding on a cross-country pilgrimage to the Statue of Liberty to highlight the suffering of immigrant families. He walked 20 miles a day for almost two months, documenting his trip on social media. “Immigrants are not strangers," says Graf, "but rather our brothers, sisters, sons and daughters.”
Reserve early. Reservations close Tuesday, December 1st, 2026 @ 5 pm
The Speaker Luncheon Price per Ticket is as follows:
$57 for Members**
$67 for Non-Members**
$670 - Purchase of One Table (Seating for 10 People)**
(In order to help First Friday cover increasing expenses, a processing fee will be added to the price of your ticket(s) at checkout. Thank you)
.**If you wish to purchase a Membership (starting at $75), please click
When checking out, you will be asked the following (required) questions:
- Any dietary requirements
- A group or person you wish to sit with (all attendees are assigned a seat)
- A request for a hearing assistance kit
More on Fr. Graf
Ordained in 1984, Father Graf has served in various parishes, including as pastor of the mostly Hispanic Our Lady of the Heights Catholic Church in Chicago Heights. He is a longtime member of Priests for Justice for Immigrants and has also been active in Catholic social justice initiatives, such as fasting campaigns in support of DACA protections. Before his 2025 journey, he spent five years as a priest in Mexico, where he developed a deep personal connection to the communities he served
For additional information please call (312.466.9610), email [email protected] or visit our website at
Thank You!
LUNCHEON LOCATION:
This luncheon will be held at The Union League Club - Crystal Room on the 7th floor at 65 West Jackson Blvd (1/2 block east of Clark). Upon entering the ULC, coat check is mandatory on the first floor (no charge) and you will be directed to the check-in location.
THE UNION LEAGUE CLUB DRESS CODE:
The Union League Club Dress Code is Smart Casual, a relaxed, well-dressed look which may include jeans with no visible rips or tears, denim, and collared shirts. Athletic wear, tennis shoes, t-shirts or hats are not permitted.
PARKING AT THE UNION LEAGUE CLUB:
Valet Parking is available at Union League's Federal Street Entrance (Union League Club's parking fee will apply; no discount to attendees).
Discounted parking as low as $10 for All First Friday Club Attendees is available through the in the South Loop Self Park, 318 S. Federal St, Chicago (self parking in the garage on the northwest corner of Federal and Van Buren). For information on this special offer, click the following link:
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION:
The Club is just two blocks from the LaSalle Street Metra Station, six blocks from Union Metra Station and only blocks from every EL Station.
Agenda
🕑: 11:30 AM - 01:15 PM
Doors open at 11:30 am on the 7th Floor, Crystal Room. Arrive Early!
Info: Elevators are provided along with stairs to reach the 6th floor venue. Coat check, located on the first floor, is required with no charge. Please note: the coat check line can be long dependent on other events taking place at the Union League Club.
🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Welcome + Luncheon served
Info: Three course meal is provided. When registering, please specify any dietary restrictions for you and your guests plus any seating requests. Table assignments will be listed outside the Lincoln Ballroom. First Friday board members will also be available to assist with seating.
🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:00 PM
Speaker Introduced & Presentation
Info: Speaker will be introduced at 12:30pm followed by Q&A. Luncheon ends at 1:15pm.
🕑: 01:00 PM - 01:10 PM
Q & A with Speaker
Info: Questions will be taken from the audience during the last 10 minutes. A roving microphone will be provided. Please keep questions short and to the point.
🕑: 01:10 PM - 01:15 PM
Final Announcements for Next Month's Speaker. Luncheon Ends!
Info: Tickets for the next month's speaker can be purchased before and after the luncheon at the welcome table, right outside the Lincoln Ballroom. Credit card and checks accepted.
Event venue & nearby stays
The Union League Club of Chicago, 65 West Jackson Blvd, Chicago, United States
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