Artists Lend a Hand

At the PPFA Annual Conference in March 2006, PPFA Affiliate Excellence Awards were bestowed for outstanding achievements by Planned Parenthood affiliates across the country. This year, PPHP received the Winston E. Forrest Jr. Award for Excellence in Private Fundraising.

PPHP's benefit in the Hamptons has been held at the homes of well-known personalities, including Martha Stewart and film director Barry Sonnenfeld, but it has been the involvement of the art community that put this event "on the map" and led to other significant opportunities that have benefited Planned Parenthood as a whole.

Starting in 1996, when gallery owner Larry Gagosian was host, this event has been the catalyst for cultivating a dedicated following by the pro-choice art community. These artists and art dealers for choice have enabled PPHP to

• sponsor several creative and lucrative art-related auctions and sales
• attract from 350-500 supporters to the event each year
• raise $250,000-$500,000 from the event
• earn a reputation for a "must attend" event in this sophisticated community
• receive coveted press in the competitive New York media market

In addition, PPHP brought the concept of Artists for Choice to PPFA, Planned Parenthood of New York City, and Planned Parenthood of Nassau County. Together, they collaborated on Choice Art 2004, which grossed more than $1 million dollars from an auction of contemporary art held at the famous Sotheby's auction house in New York City. The experience was so positive that they collaborated again on Choice Art 2006, which was held in February.

"Our Board and staff are so honored to be recognized for the innovative work we've done in fundraising," says Reina Schiffrin, president/CEO of PPHP. "We are grateful to the many artists who have stood with Planned Parenthood and supported us so generously."