News and Stories: Leading Philanthropist Chairs Planned Parenthood of Indiana Event to Raise Funds for Preventive Health Care

Planned Parenthood of Indiana (PPIN) announces that Deborah J. Simon of Indianapolis – a leading philanthropist and women's health advocate– will serve as honorary chair of PPIN's Eighth Annual Gathering of Goddesses and Gods set for Saturday, April 16 in downtown Indianapolis.

The annual event, which attracts 600 guests, supports PPIN's Women's Health Fund. The fund provides low-income women and men with reproductive health services such as Pap tests to detect cervical cancer, breast exams, birth control and sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing and treatment.

"In today's economy, many Hoosiers simply cannot afford basic, preventive health care," said Simon. "This event helps Planned Parenthood raise private dollars to provide crucial health services to those most in need."

According to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, 14 percent of the Hoosier population is uninsured and only 44 percent of employers offer health insurance to their employees.

"Nobody should have to choose between paying for food and shelter or getting the medical care they need," said Simon. "Preventive care is often the first thing people sacrifice when they are in financial distress and this fund ensures that fewer Hoosiers have to make that difficult choice."

The Gathering of the Goddesses and Gods is one of the most-anticipated social events of the year and the net proceeds go entirely toward preventive health care. Last year's event raised a record $130,000 for the Women's Health Fund.

Ms. Simon is the current PPIN board chair and was an instrumental leader in the agency's Tapestry of Strength Capital & Endowment Campaign which raised $7.3 million to renovate or relocate health centers and build an endowment to support education and health services for generations to come. She is the chair of the Simon Youth Foundation and also supports numerous humanitarian, arts, youth and Jewish organizations in the community.

"Deborah Simon's passion and extraordinary leadership skills make her a dream board member for a non-profit organization," said PPIN President and CEO Betty Cockrum. "Her advice and support have helped make it possible for Hoosiers to have access to affordable health care and to have the ability to make informed decisions about their reproductive health."

The annual spring event begins with wine, appetizers, massages, psychic readings, henna tattoos and more. Attendees then sit down for a divine dinner and silent and live auctions. The evening ends with dessert and dancing.

Sponsorships are available and tickets are on sale now. For more information, visit www.ppin.org/goddesses.