“When I was in college, and even after, Planned Parenthood was my healthcare,” recalled Natasha Gaskill, noted Savannah pastry chef and small-batch ice cream confectioner.
“It was literally a lifeline. I didn’t have insurance then, and the organization was essential to my overall health and wellbeing.”
Planned Parenthood Southeast continues offering a range of healthcare services. Last year, it provided care to almost 2,600 Savannah citizens, 93% of whom were under-insured or uninsured — and the organization did so throughout the pandemic without shutting its doors.
To celebrate, Planned Parenthood Southeast is throwing a party, Legacy in Action, on Thursday at Savannah Station, honoring its frontline workers in Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi.
Credit: Photo provided
Credit: Photo provided
“It really is a big party for our healthcare team at all of our South East clinics,” emphasized Kate Daley, the organization’s development director. “We had to postpone the awards celebration in 2020, and then last year we did everything virtually. It will be so good to be in person acknowledging the people who make it all happen day in and day out at Planned Parenthood.”
Legacy in Action got its start in 2018 when local volunteers decided to throw a party in honor of the Hostess City’s little-known champion of reproductive rights, Howard Morrison. Morrison secured funding in the early 1970s for Savannah’s first Planned Parenthood iteration, a staffed mobile bus with medical equipment. He remained a dedicated supporter of the organization until his passing in 2020.
Credit: Photo provided
Credit: Photo provided
The annual Legacy in Action event now honors community contributors with the Howard Morrison Memorial Award. Recent recipients include author and sociologist, Dr. Bertice Berry, as well as, Dr. Diane Weems, former director of the coastal health district of Georgia Public Health.
This year’s celebration highlights heavy hors d’oervres by the Gaslight Restaurant Group, an open bar, silent auction, photo booth and live music by Savannah musician, Lulu the Giant. The artist Panhandle Slim donated a T-shirt design to commemorate the evening. Proceeds from shirt sales go directly to the organization.
Rachael Shaner, songwriter and lead singer of Lulu the Giant, is especially eager to contribute to the evening. She and her band were initially booked for the 2020 event, but COVID postponed their performance until this year.
Credit: Adriana Iris Boatwright / For Do Savannah
Credit: Adriana Iris Boatwright / For Do Savannah
“I've been vocal in my art and activism surrounding women's rights, basic human rights, and accessible healthcare since the beginning of my career as a musician,” emphasized Shaner. “Art is a reflection of our internal values, and so I try to make sure my lyrics reflect that. With that being said, I was overjoyed to be asked to play this event over two years ago, and the excitement has only been climbing since then.
"Thursday is going to rock in such a beautiful venue with incredible people that I'm honored to get to work alongside and support in whatever way I can, in this case, music. Stoked to be playing a small part of this huge movement, and I hope everybody is able to make it out Thursday night at Savannah Station.”
Natasha Gaskill, who bakes for and leads a unique Planned Parenthood Mother’s Day fundraiser, Cookies for Choice, curated the event’s silent auction featuring an array of Savannah-local businesses and products.
“Instead of individual items, this year we have packages people can bid on, so there’s a little something for everyone,” said Gaskill. “One item is a Savannah stay-cation with two nights at the Thompson Hotel, an E. Shaver Books gift certificate, and Adam Turoni chocolates. Another package is a progressive dinner on the town beginning at Alley Cat Lounge, then 1540 Room for main courses, and Lulu’s Chocolate Bar for dessert. The best part is there’s an Uber provided, so you don’t have to worry about driving and parking.”
Credit: Philip Hall/Savannah Morning News
Credit: Philip Hall/Savannah Morning News
Planned Parenthood Southeast has seven health clinics across Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi, providing care for as many as 15,000 patients each year. These states also rank highest for women’s maternal mortality, which means women here are statistically at greater risk of dying from complications due to pregnancy. Because Planned Parenthood offers preventative care, wellness check-ups, and cancer screenings in addition to contraception, family planning, and sexual health information, the organization is often a safety net not only providing care for low-income women of childbearing age but also for uninsured and underinsured people of all ages and genders.
“Planned Parenthood fills an important niche in the community, we help close the gap for accessible healthcare for all,” emphasized Daley.
“For many people, we are the only health care they have that is safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental. My colleagues who treat our patients are my personal heroes because they stand up and face opposition from people who don’t necessarily understand the whole scope of Planned Parenthood. My colleagues help people lead healthy, educated, informed and self-determined lives, and that’s something to celebrate each and every day. ”
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Planned Parenthood Southeast raises money for accessible healthcare with 'Legacy in Action'
The Latest
Featured
