Planned Parenthood Celebrates 80 Years of Choice!

Last month, UHPP hosted its fabulous 80th anniversary event, and as an attendee, I must say, I couldn't have been more thrilled.

Hosted at the newly renovated and stunning 60 State Street ballroom, there was a definitive "old Albany" vibe to the event, which is apropos, because when Planned Parenthood got its start in Albany, it was 1934, the great depression was in full swing, and women and families needed safe access to family planning services more than ever.

Curb Your Enthusiasm's Susie Essman received UHPP's inaugural Giraffe Award for sticking her neck out for choice.  She gave a hilarious performance peppered with moments of poignancy, and she and UHPP CEO Chelly Hegan urged guests to continue to stand up for choice.

The Giraffe Award was created by Albany artist Dana S. Owens of The Machine, a Creative Co-op, who, ironically, operates a studio on the property of UHPP's former Lark Street location. One could call it kismet.

Local food vendors donated some creative and amazing dishes, including; Taste, New World Bistro Bar (owner and local celebrity Rick Orlando manned the station himself!), Healthy Cafe Catering, The Capital Eatery & Lounge, and more.

Photography services were donated by Ianelli Photography.

There are still ways you can help raise funds for UHPPs historic 80th year.

• Have a party!  Seriously, have a party.  Invite a staff or board member from UHPP to come and talk about the organization, or perhaps charge a small cover to donate to the agency. 
• Come to our Comedy for a Cause event on December 19. Here is all the info. Seriously, you should go. Last year's was a scream, and we raffled off a ton of great prizes. Whether you plan to attend or not, you could help us out by "liking" us on facebook, and liking and sharing our stuff.  Invite your friends to the event!
• Finally, just keep caring. It's no secret that the midterm elections were a bit of a disappointment, and more people will be attacking Planned Parenthoods across the nation in a potentially unprecedented manner.  While we may feel safe in NYS, remember; as long as people are out there trying to shut us down, women are in danger.  Speak out! Vote!

I will leave you with this short little slideshow I made commemorating our first 80 years, so check it out.  It serves as a helpful reminder of how different it was in 1934, when the Great Depression held the nation in its merciless grip, and so many families were destroyed.  Perhaps, in another 80 years, we will finally be able to stop fighting for what should be a no-brainer;  equal rights, healthcare, and choice.