Planned Parenthood Commemorates 100 Years of Care, Education, and Activism with The Celebration of a Century

Hillary Rodham Clinton and Shonda Rhimes To Be Honored at the Gala

New York, NY-- As part of its centennial, a yearlong effort of action, sharing, and celebrating the progress Planned Parenthood has driven for women and families over the last 100 years, Planned Parenthood Federation of America and Planned Parenthood of New York City announced a once-in-a-lifetime Gala, 100 Years Strong: The Celebration of a Century, to be held in New York City on Tuesday, May 2. The event will honor the Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton with the Champion of the Century Award for her 40 years of service to women and girls in this country, and Shonda Rhimes with the Champion of Change Award for revolutionizing the way women and issues of reproductive health — including safe, legal abortion — are portrayed on television.

“We’re proud to celebrate Planned Parenthood’s 100 years of strength and resilience at this moment in our history, as well as the tremendous outpouring of support for Planned Parenthood and our patients,” said Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. “This Gala is a powerful reminder that Planned Parenthood has been around for 100 years and will continue to be here for the people who rely on us, no matter what. One hundred years of care, education, and activism have changed everything, and we will not rest until access to health care and rights is a reality for all people.”

100 Years Strong is expected to attract more than 1,000 supporters and will benefit Planned Parenthood Federation of America and Planned Parenthood of New York City, directly supporting health services and programs so that in our next 100 years we can continue to work toward a world where neither income nor zip code determines access to sexual and reproductive health care. The event will also feature an art auction of major works donated by renowned artists, including Tauba Auerbach, Dan Colen, Jenny Holzer, Ed Ruscha, David Salle, Richard Serra, and Lorna Simpson.

“Since Planned Parenthood opened its doors in Brownsville, Brooklyn, 100 years ago, we have made incredible progress—and we’re just getting started,” said Joan Malin, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of New York City. “In this moment, we’re more determined than ever to fight for our communities, and protect and expand their access to the care and education they need and deserve. This Gala will be an opportunity to pause and celebrate the 100 years that Planned Parenthood has been a part of the fabric of this city and the entire nation, and to kick off our next century of breaking down barriers and expanding opportunities.”

For the past century, Planned Parenthood has transformed women’s health and empowered millions of people worldwide to make informed health decisions, forever changing the way they live, love, learn and work. Planned Parenthood proudly serves millions of women, men, and young people at our health centers nationwide each year, inclusive of all gender identities and sexual orientations.

You can learn more about Planned Parenthood's first century at 100years.plannedparenthood.org/.

###

Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With over 650 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.