PPRM’S TARA FRIEDMAN RECEIVES HIGHEST DEVELOPMENT HONOR WITHIN THE NATIONAL PLANNED PARENTHOOD NETWORK

DENVER — The National Planned Parenthood Development Officers Council, the member organization of Planned Parenthood’s development professionals, today presented the Rumpelstiltskin Fundraiser of the Year award to Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountain’s Tara Friedman during the Annual Development Officers Conference in Tempe, Ariz.

The annual award recognizes individuals within the Planned Parenthood Federation of America affiliate network whose fundraising efforts turned opportunities into resources or as the name of the award suggests, “turned straw into gold.”  Candidates are judged on qualities that inspire donors to support the organization’s mission.  Candidates must also demonstrate creativity, enthusiasm, team building skills, intelligence, vision, courage, perseverance, leadership and commitment.  The award is the highest honor an individual can receive in the area of development.

“Tara exemplifies what the Rumpelstiltskin award stands for – that individual spirit and passion can literally impact entire communities,” said Keiren J. Havens, vice president of external affairs for Planned Parenthood of Maryland and chair of the National Planned Parenthood Development Officers Council.  “Tara’s impressive fundraising skills ensured the demise of a dangerous, sneaky ballot measure and allowed more Coloradoans to access essential health care services.”

Based on outstanding service to the PPRM affiliate, the honor highlights Friedman’s accomplishment in leading the campaign to raise $1.7 million to underwrite the “No on 48” 2008 ballot initiative in Colorado which aimed to define personhood.  The award also acknowledges Friedman’s role in a multi-million dollar capital campaign that resulted in a new flagship administrative building and health center in addition to monies for training, diversities initiatives, security and renovation upgrades at PPRM’s 29 health centers.

PPFA’s 95 local affiliates operate more than 850 health centers throughout the United States.  Friedman joined PPRM in 2005.

Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) is the nation’s leading sexual and reproductive health care advocate and provider. Founded by Margaret Sanger in 1916 as America’s first birth control clinic, Planned Parenthood believes that everyone has the right to choose when or whether to have a child, that every child should be wanted and loved, and that women should be in charge of their destinies. Planned Parenthood’s 95 local affiliates operate more than 850 health centers throughout the United States. Five million people worldwide depend on Planned Parenthood for high-quality sexual and reproductive health care, education and information.

Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains (PPRM)Since 1916, Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains has been committed to providing affordable, confidential health care. Our goal is to ensure that every individual has the information, services and freedom to make healthy, responsible decisions about their sexuality. More than 127,000 women, men and young adults annually visit our 29 health centers throughout Colorado, New Mexico, Southern Nevada and Wyoming. For more information about Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, call 1-800-230-PLAN or visit pprm.org for the health center nearest you.