Planned Parenthood Supporters Gather for Cocktails for a Cause in Dallas

Co-Chairs Ivy Awino and Cora Black help raise funds for healthcare and education services in Dallas

Dallas, TX - Supporters of Planned Parenthood gathered in Dallas to raise funds for essential healthcare and health education services, including breast and cervical cancer screenings, STD testing and treatment, birth control, and pregnancy testing.

Ivy Awino and Cora Black, who are both alumnae of The Hockaday School and notable advocates in Dallas, served as co-chairs. Ivy Awino, known as DJ Poizon Ivy is a Mavericks personality, in addition to her role as resident DJ. Cora Black has made a significant impact on the Dallas political landscape.

The event, which raised close to $100k, emphasized the significance of healthcare, health education, diversity, and inclusion. Among the notable attendees were Mary Cook, Grace Cook, Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins, Dr. Amit Patel, and former state Senator and current Senior Advisor to Planned Parenthood Texas Votes, Wendy Davis.

Co-chair Cora Black expressed her appreciation, stating, "Cheers to our voices being heard today and to the remarkable work of Planned Parenthood in aiding our community." At the heart of Planned Parenthood’s commitment to South Dallas is the belief that every person deserves access to essential healthcare. Awino voiced her strong beliefs, saying, "I stand with Planned Parenthood in their mission to provide equal access to quality healthcare. It is essential to fight for a more equitable future, and I am honored to be a part of this movement."

Shawn Wills, Chief Development Officer of Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas, stated, "Planned Parenthood is a lifeline for so many people who would otherwise be left without access to critical services. Thanks to the generosity of our Dallas community, we can continue to fight for a world where everyone has the right to healthcare and education, no matter who they are or where they come from."

In 2022, Planned Parenthood provided more than 100,000 healthcare visits, including a full range of birth control methods such as IUDs and implants, breast and cervical cancer screenings, testing and treatment for STIs (including HIV tests), PrEP and PEP medication to prevent HIV transmission, treatment for urinary tract and vaginal infections, annual well checks, transgender hormone therapy, and other essential healthcare needs.

Ken Lambrecht, President & CEO of Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas, expressed his pride in the Dallas community's support for the organization. "Our doors are and will remain open, and we're not going anywhere," he said. "Throughout our 85-year history, we have faced many challenges, none of which we have not been able to overcome with the support of this community."

Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas remains committed to providing critical health services and vital educational resources to those in need, regardless of their insurance or documentation status, income level, location, or sexual orientation.