Planned Parenthood of Illinois Annual Celebration Raised Over $550,000 and Recognized Health Care Leaders
For Immediate Release: May 26, 2023
CHICAGO- Planned Parenthood of Illinois’ (PPIL) annual Celebration raised over $550,000 to support sexual and reproductive health care across Illinois. Celebrations honored the Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) and Dana Skyye Garber, former gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) program manager.
“It was an honor to celebrate the positive impact Planned Parenthood of Illinois has in the community each and every day,” said Co-Chair Stacey Sherr Michelon. “It was extremely gratifying to be in a room with others who are also dedicated to building a culture of acceptance and compassion in reproductive health care. Because of their support, I’m pleased to announce we exceeded our fundraising goals for the event.”
PPIL President and CEO, Jennifer Welch, spoke about the expanded services for Illinois residents and providing care for patients from more than 35 states. The highlight of the evening was the recognition of outstanding individuals that have created a significant impact.
“The evening’s honorees have supported our mission to provide compassionate and respectful care to all PPIL patients, giving them the right to make informed choices and receive essential care, no matter what," Welch said. "Together we will continue to advance, expand, and protect sexual and reproductive health care for everyone in Illinois and for those who need us across the nation.”
During the event, PPIL presented Garber with the Champion of Care Award. Garber was instrumental in launching PPIL’s gender-affirming program and establishing partnerships that strengthened the GAHT program at all PPIL health centers across the state and especially in Central Illinois.
PPIL presented the Legacy Award to the Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW). President and CEO Felicia Davis Blakley accepted the award on behalf of CFW. For almost 40 years CFW has been committed to enhancing access to health services, expanding economic security, and ensuring freedom from violence.
The evening concluded with a recognition of the health care providers and clinicians working across the state. Special attention was given to the innovative partnership between PPIL and Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin (PPWI) because staff travel weekly from Wisconsin, where abortion is banned, to Waukegan to provide care. The sponsors, the host Committee, honorary host committee, and were also recognized for their generous support and commitment to PPIL’s critical work.
The annual Celebration is PPIL’s largest fundraising event and also an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the past year. This year's event was Co-Chaired by S. Mayumi "Umi" Grigsby (Chicago), Dr. Susan Kalt (Glencoe), and Stacey Sherr Michelon (Glencoe) and held on May 10, 2023, at the Geherty, 2520 S Hoyne Ave, Chicago, with over 250 supporters in attendance.
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Media Contact:
Mary Jane Maharry
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