Planned Parenthood hosts CHOICES 2015

Event supports needed women’s services

(Oklahoma City, OK) – CHOICES 2015, an annual art sale, silent auction, and dinner benefiting Planned Parenthood of Central Oklahoma, will be held Saturday, September 19 at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. The event raises funds for general operations and educational programs in central Oklahoma and will feature guest speaker the Honorable Wendy Davis, former Texas state Senator.

Perhaps best known for her historic 13-hour filibuster in the Texas Senate to kill a legislative effort that would have dramatically reduced women’s access to abortion care services in her state, Sen. Davis is widely recognized as a leader in the arena of women’s healthcare.

Wendy Davis is an attorney, author, former Texas state senator and 2014 Texas Democratic gubernatorial nominee. From very humble beginnings, Wendy worked as a single parent to forge a path to college, beginning at community college and earning a scholarship to Texas Christian University, where she graduated first in her class. Ultimately, Wendy graduated with honors from Harvard Law School. As a first-generation college graduate, support for public and higher education became passions for her in her public service career.

“It's such a thrill for us to host Wendy Davis,” said Marilyn Artus, CHOICES 2015 Chair. “Like Wendy Davis, PPCO is committed to helping those individuals still challenged by the healthcare system. From the onset of puberty through menopause and beyond, Planned Parenthood helps individuals better understand their own bodies, the challenges they face, and all available options. Keeping our services accessible will never be more important than it is now.”

The evening begins at 5pm with an art sale including featured work by artist Lisa Jean Allswede. “Pink Tennis Shoes” is a watercolor piece representing the shoes Senator Davis wore during marathon filibuster.

The art show will also showcase dozens of works by 35 more premier Oklahoma artists, including Bert Seabourn, Denise Duong, Diane Coady, Suzanne Mears, Paul Medina, Sue Moss Sullivan and many more. The artists are donating a portion of their proceeds to support the essential services provided by Planned Parenthood.

Guests will bid on more than 100 silent auction items and packages ranging from restaurant and retail gift certificates to sporting event tickets and themed packages. The emcee for the evening is entertainment professional Cacky Poarch.

“There’s something for everyone,” said Keri Parks, Director of External Affairs. “It’s also an opportunity to thank those who’ve been so generous and supportive toward Planned Parenthood of Central Oklahoma.”

Dinner reservations for the evening are $100, with preferred seating available at an additional cost. For more information about this event or to make reservations, please contact the PPCO development office at (405) 528-0221, ext. 304.

The Gayly – September 13, 2015 @ 8:35am.