Planned Parenthood honors former CEO Dianne Luby, hosts 400 supporters
For Immediate Release: Jan. 30, 2014
Hosts 400 supporters at annual fundraiser at Mandarin Oriental
BOSTON— On February 12, over 400 supporters of Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts (PPLM) came together to honor former CEO Dianne Luby and hear remarks from Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) President Cecile Richards.
Interim CEO and Board Chair Nonnie S. Burnes welcomed guests and lauded Luby’s achievements with the organization. Burnes also recognized incoming PPLM CEO Martha (Marty) M. Walz, who was in attendance. PPFA President Cecile Richards gave supporters a national perspective on women’s health, and spoke about Luby’s leadership.
“For 13 years, Dianne Luby was an extraordinary leader for Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts, and a vital member of Planned Parenthood’s national board," said Richards. "Women, men and families in Massachusetts are healthier and better off because of Dianne's hard work. We will miss her tremendously at Planned Parenthood—but we are thrilled to welcome Marty Walz as incoming CEO of PPLM, and look forward to working with her to further advance women's health in Massachusetts.”
Dianne Luby was President/CEO of Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts (PPLM) from 1999 to 2012. She led PPLM in a number of strategic initiatives to expand access to health care, particularly for underserved communities. She instituted a nationally-recognized family planning fellowship, developed a new approach to comprehensive sexuality education including a curriculum that is now in 138 schools educating over 38,000 middle and high-school students, and led the successful $30 million Sexual Health Matters Campaign.
“Leading PPLM for 13 years was a singular honor,” said Luby. “I am grateful to the superb staff and legion of supporters that made it possible for us to accomplish so much during my tenure. I am confident that PPLM will continue to be the leading voice for sexual health in Massachusetts, and I will remain a steadfast women’s health advocate and support PPLM as so many in this Commonwealth have done for the past 84 years.
Guests enjoyed cocktails, menu, and décor inspired by honoree Dianne Luby’s tastes and interests. The program began with a musical performance from Project STEP, a non-profit intensive music education program for African-American and Latino children with musical promise, where Luby serves on the Board of Directors.
Event co-chairs Anne Columbia and Richard Lester of Brookline, Julia Owens of Boston, and Suzie Tapson & Gordon Burnes, also of Boston, welcomed guests and presented Luby with the Champion for Women’s Health award.
PPLM raised $1.2 million for the Dianne Luby Innovation Fund through sponsorship and ticket sales for Celebration of Choices. These donations will be used to sustain and grow innovative projects begun under Dianne’s leadership, including: expanding education programs; clinical research; enhanced public awareness, marketing and outreach.
Photos from the event are attached. High resolution versions are available upon request.
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Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts is the largest freestanding sexual and reproductive health care provider in the state. For over 84 years PPLM has protected and promoted sexual and reproductive health and freedom of choice through clinical services, education and advocacy. For more information, visit www.pplm.org.
Source
Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts
Contact
Alicia Johnson
Media Relations Coordinator
(617) 515-0531
Published
February 13, 2013