Funny Girl Katie Rich to be Honored at the 2014 Generations Celebration (Profile)

SNL Writer Katie Rich

This month, Planned Parenthood of Illinois will hold its fourth annual Generations Celebration. We will be honoring longtime PPIL supporters the Newton/Weinberg Family and Saturday Night Live writer Katie Rich. We are also excited to have SNL cast member, "Weekend Update" co-anchor, and former PPIL staff member Cecily Strong as our special guest.

Meet Katie Rich, our 2014 Margaret Wiley Carr Bright Horizons Honoree!

A native Illinoisan and staff writer for Saturday Night Live, Katie Rich received her BS from Northwestern University and traveled with The Second City Touring Company for five years. She was then promoted to the Second City Mainstage where she wrote and performed three reviews, including 2012's 100th review in which she performed an auction-themed scene that raised over $32,000 for Planned Parenthood of Illinois. 

Her solo work has been seen at iO West, TBS’ Just for Laughs Festival, and WBEZ’s The Paper Machete. Commercial credits include: Discover Card, Walmart, Eckridge, Sonic Drive-in, Lexus, and Radio Shack. Movie credits include: Martin Short’s Let Freedom Hum, Harold Ramis’ The Ice Harvest, and David Rosenthal’s Janie Jones. She can be seen in the upcoming feature film Bad Johnson with Nick Thune.

Q: How did you come up with the idea to do an auction scene that would raise money for PPIL?

I had been trying to write a scene that addressed the ongoing war on women’s rights and it was a difficult task. Everything I wrote sounded too preachy or was too straightforward instead of being satirical. We were asked to come up with a political sketch, and I had the idea of lampooning Super PACs through an auctioning off of an improv scene. We tried it for a few shows and found that the audience was very willing to part with their money to get their improv suggestion heard, and we raised, like $400 in the first week. I hadn’t even thought that would happen so I hadn’t thought at all about having any money go [to an organization]. But it was like, duh, all the money should go to Planned Parenthood and thus do more good than a mere joke or two could do. 

Join us on April 23 at the
Navy Pier Grand Ballroom.
Get tickets.

Q: Did you get any negative feedback from the audience when they were told the money would be going to Planned Parenthood?

For the most part, no. But we had a couple people (who hadn't even given any money) walk out. The good thing was, there was nothing they could do about it – we had been very upfront that any money they gave us we kept. 

Q: Why are reproductive rights important to you and why do you support Planned Parenthood?

I was lucky enough to have a mother and friends and teachers who supported reproductive rights and Planned Parenthood. I was given the education and access to the correct information when it comes to my body. Not all women have that luxury, and I want to change that. 

Q: What do you hope to do to engage other young women on this issue?

I want folks to know that they can come up with inventive ways to stand up for what they believe in. You can combine what you love and what you want to fight for.

Katie Rich (l), PPIL President & CEO Carole Brite (r), and
Second City cast are all smiles after Rich's
sketch raised over $32,000 for Planned Parenthood.

Q: Who are your comedic and/or activist role models?

Sarah Silverman always nails it with her PSAs and her ability to take very heavy things and make them accessible and funny. Carole Brite and Sarah Weddington are so amazing to me. If I think about those women too much my eyes well up from sheer admiration. I also love how Amy Poehler has made a career out of being positive and supportive of people.

Q: Last year’s Bright Horizon’s Award Honoree, Sandra Fluke, is running for state senate in California. Do you think this award could launch your political career?

I guess I could go the Al Franken route. But I swear too much in public to be a politician.  

Q: Now that you’re a New Yorker, is there anything you miss about living in Chicago?

I'm not a New Yorker. I'll always be a Chicagoan. But if I had to pick something I really miss not having to spend the majority of my income on an apartment the size of a closet.

Join us in honoring Katie with the Margaret Wiley Carr Bright Horizons Award at our Fourth Annual Generations Celebration on April 23! The Bright Horizons Award honors young professionals who are making a difference in the world of reproductive rights. In the meantime, you can follow her @katiemaryrich!

2014 Generations Celebration
Buy tickets or become a sponsor
Unable to attend but would like to donate?
RSVP on Facebook

When:
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
VIP Reception: 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Main Event & Registration: 6:30 p.m.
Program & Dinner: 7 p.m.

Where:
Chicago’s Navy Pier Grand Ballroom
600 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL
_____________________________________________________________________

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.

Connect with PPIL on Google+ and LinkedIn.
Connect with PPIA on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube.
Subscribe to our blog feed. 

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!

______________________________________________________________________________

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.

Connect with PPIL on Google+ and LinkedIn.
Connect with PPIA on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube.
Subscribe to our blog feed. 

Celebrate Generations of Access to Reproductive Health Care at PPIL's Generations Gala!

Buy Tickets Online

On May 2, 2013, join Planned Parenthood of Illinois in celebrating generations of work towards expanding access to reproductive health care at our annual Generations Gala. Last year we had hundreds of supporters come out for the event and we expect an even greater turnout this year!

Sandra Fluke

Cecile Richards

This year, we will be honoring Sandra Fluke with the Margaret Wiley Carr Bright Horizons Award. This award recognizes the next generation of influential activists in the reproductive health movement. As many of you know, Sandra Fluke came to national attention last year when a male Congressional committee prohibited her from testifying on a question of women’s health. Continuing her public advocacy, she currently speaks to audiences across the country, in addition to her legislative policy work.

Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America will also be joining us at the event to talk about the latest issues reproductive health care is facing on a national level. Since joining Planned Parenthood in 2006, Cecile has expanded the organization’s advocacy power and developed a unified national web presence receiving 33 million online visits annually. A frequent commentator on women’s rights, reproductive health, and sex education, she is a contributor to the Huffington Post and serves on the board of the Ford Foundation.

Elliot and Frances Lehman

We are privileged to honor the Lehman Family for the generations of support they have given to the reproductive health care movement. Based in Chicago and building on the example of their parents and grandparents, Elliot and Frances Lehman, the Lehman family has for generations been dedicated to the pursuit of civil rights and economic and social justice in their personal, professional, volunteer and philanthropic lives through the generations. High among their priorities has been access to and availability of quality, affordable health care. Planned Parenthood of Illinois is deeply grateful to the Lehman Family and privileged to honor their sincere and invaluable commitment to the women, men, and teens we serve.

We're looking forward to celebrating and hope you can join us!

Generations Gala details:

Thursday, May 2, 2013

5:00 PM | VIP Reception with Special Guests, Cocktails, and Light Hors d’Oeuvres
6:00 PM | Program
7:00 PM | Reception with Cocktails, Hors d’Oeuvres, Mission Market, and Silent Auction

Chicago’s Historic Navy Pier Grand Ballroom
600 E. Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611

VIP Ticket: $500
Regular Individual Ticket: $150
Next Generation Ticket (35 and under): $100
Sponsorship opportunities: $1,000 to $25,000

Tickets are on sale! Buy your tickets online or call 312-592-6832. For more information visit ppil.org/generations.

__________________________________________________________________________

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.

Connect with PPIL on Google+ and LinkedIn.
Connect with PPIA on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube.
Subscribe to our blog feed.