Hawthorne-based Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic held its annual Empower Gala at the Hilton Westchester in Rye Brook and raised more than $450,000 for its health care services, education and training programs and advocacy efforts.
Keynote speaker at the event was reproductive justice advocate Dr. Willie Parker. He described how the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. inspired him to believe that to be a true Christian he must show compassion for all women, without judgment.
Nearly 300 guests joined together to bid on silent auction items ranging from “Hamilton” tickets, to jewelry, culinary and spa experiences. There also was a “live pledge” led by Adam Lipson and gala co-chairs Denise Lipson and Susan Chatzky during which attendees were invited to donate to the organization.
The organization operates 10 health centers in Westchester, Rockland and Suffolk counties. In 2016, it provided services to more than 36,000 patients in more than 58,000 visits and offered 900 education and training programs, reaching 19,000 people.
