Planned Parenthood Celebrates 80 years in San Gabriel Valley with Women’s Rights Leader Cecile Richards

Over the past eighty years Pasadena has witnessed much change, but one thing that has remained constant is the compassionate, non-judgmental care provided to this community by Planned Parenthood Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley. More than 300 community members gathered Thursday night in Pasadena to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the non-profit health care provider, which is a vital part of the local communities.

Board Chair Lauren Frankel noted that “While Planned Parenthood is a nationally networked organization, our local affiliate has always been an essential provider in Pasadena and over the last decade has expanded to become an integral partner throughout the San Gabriel Valley.”

Party-goers eager to support the essential services and education that the organization provides, were inspired by Planned Parenthood Federation of America President Cecile Richards in her first ever keynote address in Pasadena. As a nationally recognized commentator on women’s rights, reproductive health, and sex education, Ms. Richards, the daughter of former Governor Ann Richards, shared her reflections about Planned Parenthood and current events happening over the past year.

Guests were motivated by a short film highlighting the story of Planned Parenthood in Pasadena and the critical role that it continues to play. The film included reflections by Sheri Bonner, President/CEO of Planned Parenthood Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley, and the Rev. Dr. George Regas, former Rector of All Saints Church and PPPSGV Advisory Committee member.

Bonner indicated that “the fact that Planned Parenthood has been here for 80 years through all of the ups and downs – it speaks to the power of our mission, that we provide life changing services and education to women, men and young people.” She went on to share, “the community comes to us with questions and we provide them with a tool kit of how to carry out their dreams.”

Planned Parenthood supporters are passionate about investing in the work that continues to empower this community. Alongside Patron Chair Joan T. Caillouette and Co-Chairs Brooke Larsen Garlock, Kristin Maschka and Jacqueline Samols, many dynamic Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley leaders contributed to the event as members of the 80th Anniversary Celebration Patron Committee, including Erin Rothenberg Baker, Martyn Belmont, Elizabeth Besch, Marilyn Brumder, Alice and Joe Coulombe, Susan Crawford, Sally Graves De Witt, Lauren Frankel, Priscilla and Nelson Gibbs, Kathy Gillespie, Patricia Glazier, BJ Kirwan Hanna, Karen Hillenburg, Jeanette Park, Sarah Rothenberg, Juliana Serrano, Marie Stein, Jennifer Thibault, Nancy Waite and Katie Rothenberg Wei.

Over 46,000 local residents received high-quality care at Planned Parenthood’s four local health centers and multiple satellite locations this past year in Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley. 97% of the health care services are preventive, including life-saving cancer screenings, all FDA-approved methods of birth control, annual exams, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, and more.

Planned Parenthood Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley is located at 2333 Lake Ave. For more information, visit www.pppsgv.org.