# Controversy over Chicago Archdiocese award for Michael Sacks > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/controversy-over-chicago-archdiocese-award-for-michael-sacks > Updated: 2026-10-29T01:29:19.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2. Cardinal Blase Cupich and the Archdiocese of Chicago have faced criticism regarding the decision to present billionaire Michael J. Sacks with the inaugural Nostra Aetate Award. The award is scheduled to be presented during the Rerum Novarum gala, a fundraiser intended to support the formation of future priests at Mundelein Seminary. Pro-life advocacy groups, such as Illinois Right to Life, have called for the Archdiocese to rescind the honor. Critics point to financial records indicating that Sacks and his foundation have provided significant funding to organizations that facilitate abortion access in Illinois. Specifically, reports note a $500,000 donation to Planned Parenthood of Illinois between 2020 and 2022, as well as a $600,000 contribution to the Prairie State Access Fund, which was established to strengthen reproductive health infrastructure. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-29: Chicago Archbishop to honor abortion-funding donor at seminary gala Chicago Archbishop Blase Cupich will honor billionaire Michael J. Sacks with an award at a seminary gala, sparking controversy due to Sacks' significant donations to abortion access funds in Illinois. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chicago-archbishop-to-honor-abortion-funding-donor-at-seminary-gala ### 2026-10-26: Cardinal Cupich faces criticism over planned award for Michael Sacks Cardinal Blase Cupich is facing backlash for planning to present the Nostra Aetate Award to billionaire Michael Sacks, a donor to Planned Parenthood. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cardinal-cupich-faces-criticism-over-planned-award-for-michael-sacks --- Cite as: Controversy over Chicago Archdiocese award for Michael Sacks. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/controversy-over-chicago-archdiocese-award-for-michael-sacks