News and Stories: Gathering of Goddesses and Gods Raises Record Amount for Preventive Health Care

Planned Parenthood of Indiana (PPIN) has tallied up the preliminary numbers and is pleased to announce the 8th Annual Gathering of Goddesses and Gods raised a record amount of money for preventive health care on Saturday, April 16.  The sold-out event brought in $170,000 for the Women’s Health Fund.  Despite its name, the fund provides reproductive health care for both low-income women and men around the state.  It funds Pap tests, breast exams, birth control and STD testing and treatment for Hoosiers who might otherwise go without care.   The previous record amount raised was about $130,000 in 2010 when 550 people attended the event.    

Nearly 700 Hoosiers attended the hottest event in town on Saturday at the Marriot in downtown Indianapolis.   The fundraiser featured a two-hour pampering session, silent and live auctions, dinner, dancing and even a speech by Indiana Congressman Andre Carson. 

“The support from the attendees for our mission to provide all Hoosiers with quality, reproductive health care was overwhelming,” said PPIN President and CEO Betty Cockrum.  “They opened their hearts and their wallets for a truly great cause and inspired those of us who work at PPIN to keep fighting the good fight. The energy in the room was incredibly heartening.” 

During 2010, the Women’s Health Fund provided assistance to more than 4,200 Indiana patients. Some of their stories were featured at the event.   One of the most-needed events funded by the Women’s Health Fund is PPIN’s annual Free Pap Days each May.   Testimonials from patients who would have gone without lifesaving Pap tests were among those that reminded attendees that their support of PPIN translates directly into quality, preventive patient care.

The event was chaired by Indianapolis philanthropist and PPIN Board Chair Deborah Simon.  Simon thanked attendees.  “The Gathering of Goddesses and Gods provides the majority of the money for PPIN’s Women’s Health Fund each year.  Without your support, thousands of Hoosiers would go without health care.”

At the event, it was announced that next year’s Gathering of Goddesses and Gods will be held on Saturday, May 5, 2012 in downtown Indianapolis.   Indianapolis Philanthropists Frank and Katrina Basile have graciously agreed to be the honorary chairs for the event.