Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic Benefit Honors Local Supporters

From Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic

Pulitzer Prize winning author and Scarsdale resident Sheryl WuDunn helped Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic (PPHP) raise $275,000 for the organization’s quality, affordable and non-judgmental health care and vital education programs in Rockland, Westchester, Putnam, Westchester and Suffolk counties.

WuDunn, who co-wrote the recently published book, A Path Appears, with her husband Nicholas Kristof, was the featured speaker at the October 23 Empower Luncheon at the Willow Ridge Country Club in Harrison, NY, co-chaired by Denise Lipson of Upper Grandview.

Lipson and her husband, Adam, led a live services auction to benefit PPHP educational programs.

Rockland residents were well represented on the event committee and include Dr. Maria Souto of South Nyack, Carol Fleischmann of Nyack, and former South Nyack Mayor Tish DuBow.

PPHP Board member Johanna Alter Wilson of South Nyack attended the event.

WuDunn spoke to the more than 330 guests about the importance of family planning in breaking the cycle of poverty.

Judith and Roger Widmann of Larchmont were honored for their unwavering leadership and support for more than 25 years, including Ms. Widmann’s years as a PPHP volunteer and Board Member.

PPHP also honored the Congregation of St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in White Plains as the community honoree. The Congregation was represented by Rev. Dr. Gawain de Leeuw and Board President Kathryn Wallace. For the past two years, the congregation chose PPHP as the beneficiary of its annual Mardi Gras fundraiser, and supported Rev. Dr. De Leeuw in his roles as a member of both the PPHP Board of Directors and the Planned Parenthood Federation of America Clergy Advocacy Board.

“We are grateful that PPHP enjoys the unwavering support of so many in our community,” PPHP President and CEO Reina Schiffrin said. “We are pleased to honor dedicated individuals like Judy and Roger Widmann and faith based organizations like St. Bart’s that are steadfast partners in our work.”

Co-chairing the event with Lipson were Joan Rosen of Larchmont and Luz Shulgin of Patterson.

PPHP operates health centers in Brewster, Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, Spring Valley, White Plains, Yonkers, Huntington, Patchogue, Riverhead, Smithtown, and West Islip.

PHOTO: (Top Row L-R) Denise Lipson, Empower Committee Co-chair, of Upper Grandview; Adam Lipson of Upper Grandview; Joan Rosen, Empower Committee Co-chair, of Larchmont. (Bottom Row L-R) Meg Cameron of Rye; Maria Goreth Fidalgo of Purchase; and Johanna Alter Wilson of South Nyack./courtesy Planned Parenthood