Pro-Choice in Pro-Bush Country

At the Planned Parenthood Annual Conference in March, the PPFA Affiliate Excellence Awards were bestowed on the best of the best of Planned Parenthood affiliates from throughout the country. This year, PPCT received the Winston E. Forrest Jr. Award for Excellence in Private Fundraising as a result of this effective campaign.

"The Planned Parenthood Image Deep in the Heart of Bush Country" is a campaign to portray the true, comprehensive image of Planned Parenthood in an area of Texas entrenched in anti-choice propaganda. Among other things, the area is the national headquarters of Curves International, whose founder supports anti-choice causes.

PPCT produced and placed a dynamic TV ad; developed and initiated "Lunch Stop at PP," which brought in more than 100 community leaders for individualized clinic tours; and hosted a major "Business After Hours" event, which brought in more than 250 people who had never visited a clinic before. PPCT also continued its annual "friend raiser" called "Margarita Madness" and personal solicitation drive.

The outstanding PPCT TV ad uses beautiful PPFA-produced media coupled with the "Serving Waco for 65 Years" audio theme. Following the first round of TV time for this ad, the board exceeded its annual personal solicitation campaign goal of $50,000. PPCT has also been able to increase its endowment fund by $150,000.

"Although we are located in a [pro-Bush] area, when it comes to supporting Planned Parenthood and our 'Prevention First' message, this community has always come through," says Pamela Smallwood, CEO of PPCT. "We work hard to ensure that Planned Parenthood is viewed as mainstream here. We will not be marginalized or defined by the actions of our opposition."