Nearly 400 Supporters Attend Generations Gala

Nearly 400 supporters of all generations attended our Generations Gala at Chicago's historic Navy Pier last Thursday night which raised more than $350,000 in support of Planned Parenthood of Illinois' mission!

The Lehman Family

This year we honored the Lehman Family for their support of Planned Parenthood and access to women’s healthcare for three generations. Building on the example of Elliot and Frances Lehman, the Lehman family has supported Planned Parenthood through leadership roles, board service, and financial support, making a lasting impact on Illinois women. We could not be more grateful for their support!

We also honored Sandra Fluke with the Margaret Wiley Carr Bright Horizons Award, an award that honors the next generation of influential activists in the reproductive rights movement.

“It’s an honor to be recognized with the Planned Parenthood of Illinois Margaret Wiley Carr Bright Horizons Award. As an attorney and social justice advocate, I’m committed to fighting alongside Planned Parenthood for reproductive justice for all women and men, including immigrant members of our communities. As we celebrate tonight’s Generations Gala and reflect on what our generation’s legacy will be, we must all commit to ensuring that immigration reform includes access to health benefits for families paying taxes on the road to citizenship.”

Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America also attended the event and  spoke about the current state of women’s healthcare and what Planned Parenthood is doing today to protect reproductive healthcare for future generations.

Cecile Richards, Carole Brite, Sandra Fluke

“It’s more important than ever that we stand together in support of women’s health care. As Planned Parenthood gears up for the Affordable Care Act, which represents the most significant step forward for women’s health care in decades, politicians across the country continue to introduce bills that aim to restrict access to women’s health care. That’s why Planned Parenthood is absolutely committed to ensuring all women, men, and teens in Illinois have access to the care they need to stay healthy and have the information they need to get health insurance."

Senator Heather Steans (D-7) talked about the Accurate Sexual Health Education Bill (HB 2675) which passed in the Illinois House this April by a vote of 66 to 52. Senator Steans has introduced the bill in the Illinois Senate every year for the last three years. HB 2675 creates a standard for age appropriate comprehensive sexual health education courses for Illinois public school youth.

"The passing of HB 2675 in the House was a huge victory for Illinois youth who are now one step closer to receiving age-appropriate sexual health education. One of the most important things we can teach our youth is how to be safe and healthy. Studies show that sexual health education that is medically accurate, age-appropriate, and comprehensive, will help reach this goal."

And of course, the unwavering Carole Brite, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Illinois also addressed guests.

“Planned Parenthood of Illinois provides comprehensive reproductive healthcare to more than 60,000 women, men, and teens across the state each year. Our collective mission – which we renew tonight – is to make sure that nothing stands in the way of women receiving the healthcare that they need and deserve– no matter what. ”

The Second City performs improv at the Gala.

As if that weren't enough, two actors from The Second City also attended and gave an impromptu improv performance for any topic the highest bidder chose. The winning topic: the Detroit Redwings. Thank you to The Second City!

Finally, David Eigenberg, who plays Christopher Herrmann on Chicago Fire and played Steve Brady on Sex and the City, dropped by the event and spoke to guests about why the work that Planned Parenthood does it so important to women, men, and teens. Thank you, David!

The Generations Gala was incredible. Thank you to everyone who attended, helped organize the event, and who has stood by Planned Parenthood's side generation after generation to support access to women's healthcare!

Stay tuned to our Facebook page for photos from the event!

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This post was created by Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL). PPIL provides comprehensive reproductive healthcare services and education to more than 60,000 Illinoisans each year. Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA) is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of PPIL.

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