Thank You 2014 Luncheon Attendees!

Dear 2014 Luncheon Attendees:

Thank you for supporting Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona’s 2014 I Stand luncheon. We are tremendously grateful for the wonderful feedback we have received about the event — as well as all the generous donations. Thank you for helping us “Make it Happen in 2014”!

This year’s event was unashamedly political. That focus, and our speakers’ urgency, is driven by today’s reality. For many of the 45,000 women, men, and young people who come to Planned Parenthood Arizona each year — and many thousands more like them across our state — the challenges to access accurate health information and medical services are real and increasingly insurmountable.

I want to address our Republican supporters who may feel personally criticized when  Planned Parenthood Advocates and I take aim at Republican legislators who are leading the assault on women’s health care. This is not the Republican party of the past. I was raised in a Republican family. My 83-year-old mother was an elected Republican author of the modern Illinois state constitution when, in 1970, she successfully defeated a proposal to include an abortion ban. My hope is that we will again see a day when candidates on both sides of the ballot support Planned Parenthood’s vision and values.

Most of us who support Planned Parenthood are motivated by our interest in providing hands-on health care and education. When we think of Planned Parenthood, we think of hope-filled futures in which young women and men can complete educations, get jobs, and raise healthy families. The gritty reality of working in the political trenches wasn’t in our plans.

I am grateful that Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona has endorsed Felecia Rotellini, Terry Goddard, and Fred DuVal because these individuals clearly recognize the crossroads at which Arizona finds itself with respect to sexual and reproductive health and rights.

In my remarks at the opening of these events, I cited my profound concern for the health and futures of the 96,000 young Arizonans who will enter their teens in 2014. I know that you share my concern. Thank you for standing with Planned Parenthood.

Sincerely,

Bryan S. Howard
President

Will You Be Attending the Roe Luncheon?

Volunteers at the 2010 Roe Luncheon in Tucson

Volunteers at the 2010 Roe Luncheon in Tucson

This post refers to the 2011 Roe Luncheon. Information about this year’s event can be found on our website.

This year marks the 38th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision, which recognizes a woman’s right to make her own health care decisions. Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona invites you to join us for our annual Roe v. Wade anniversary luncheon.

The Tucson luncheon is on Thursday, February 17, at the Doubletree Hotel. Our emcee will be David Fitzsimmons, of the Arizona Daily Star. We will be honoring Patti Caldwell, formerly the executive director of Planned Parenthood of Southern Arizona, for her years of service. We are very excited to be featuring Amy Allina as the keynote speaker at the Tucson luncheon. Ms. Allina is the Program Director of the National Women’s Health Network (NWHN). Amy is also a founding coordinator of Raising Women’s Voices for the Health Care We Need, a national initiative working to make sure women’s voices are heard and women’s concerns are addressed as policymakers put the new health reform law into action. Continue reading

Join us for the Annual Roe v. Wade Luncheon

PPAZ_Roe_v_Wade_Silhouette_LadyThis post refers to the 2011 Roe Luncheon. Information about this year’s event can be found on our website.

Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona (PPAA) is proud to present the 38th Annual Roe v. Wade Anniversary Celebrations in Central, Northern and Southern Arizona. During this five-city celebration in the months of February and March, we will recognize the 38th anniversary of the landmark Roe v. Wade Supreme Court victory, and conclude our 75th anniversary in Arizona. Attendees will hear from inspiring keynote speakers, and also honor our very special friends who have advanced a prevention agenda in the state of Arizona.

Funds raised at the Roe v. Wade celebrations will support PPAA’s work toward a prevention agenda at all levels of government during 2011, including local school boards and the Arizona legislature. Donations will also support our strategies to elect pro-choice leaders who will stand up for women, choice, and access to health care.

With each ticket purchase you become a member of PPAA, which includes benefits like primary and general election voter guides, direct candidate support via our Political Action Committee, regular communication regarding our endorsed candidates and women’s health news. Donations to Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona are NOT tax-deductible. Contributions from business corporations and unions are prohibited.

We look forward to seeing you at the celebrations below (click on the city for full details and to purchase tickets): Continue reading