Devastated by the election results and the promised attacks on women’s health care, reproductive rights and Planned Parenthood, Port Washington resident Amanda Khalil decided to take action by organizing and inviting her friends and community members to a grassroots fundraiser for Planned Parenthood of Nassau County (PPNC) on Nov. 15.
With more than 150 attendees from towns across the North Shore, the fundraiser at Louie’s Oyster Bar in Port Washington raised more than $12,500 for PPNC. Board Members Amanda Perez Leder, Karen Seltzer and Robin Sigman, as well as President and CEO of PPNC JoAnn Smith, also attended to thank the supporters and donors.
“I’m incredibly moved that over 150 residents gathered together on a rainy Tuesday with less than six days’ notice to support an organization we all very much believe in,” noted Khalil. “The solidarity and support was a bright spot for many of us during an otherwise troubling week.”
PPNC has served the community for 83 years and seeks to compassionately and respectfully empower individuals to make independent, informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive lives by providing access to medically sound health care and educational services, and by promoting public policies to make those services available to all. PPNC is one of 56 affiliates of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America and operates three health centers in Glen Cove, Hempstead and Massapequa.
“I was moved to tears by the outpouring of support from our community,” said Smith. “Given this devastating new reality we are faced with, it’s the kindness and generosity of people like Amanda and those who gathered that night that will help us keep our doors open for the thousands of patients who look to PPNC for the care they need and deserve. We are truly grateful.”
Nationally, Planned Parenthood provides more than 2.5 million people each year with critical health care. For more information about PPNC’s services and programs, visit www.ppnc.org.
—Submitted by PPNC
