Tomorrow night is Michigan Planned Parenthood’s 14th Annual Ann Arbor Beer Tasting. They hope to raise $2,500 for the cause while raising awareness about the important role Planned Parenthood plays in the lives of Michigan women and women across the country. From their Facebook page:
Get your tickets NOW!
http://miplannedparenthood.org/page/14th-annual-ann-arbor-beer-tastingThree ticket levels
Lager $30
Pilsener $50
Stout $100
The battle to protect Planned Parenthood and women’s health is ongoing. We need our friends and supporters now more than ever to stand up for Planned Parenthood and the 90,000 men, women, and teens who count on Planned Parenthood for cancer screenings, STD testing, and birth control right here in Michigan. Come join us for beer and appetizers!
Arbor Brewing Company
Wednesday, October 5 · 7:00pm – 9:00pm
114 E. Washington Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan
http://www.arborbrewing.com/You must be 21 to volunteer or attend!
I spoke with event organizer John Keserich about the event and the opposition that is apparent on their Facebook page and elsewhere. Here’s what he had to say:
What opposition have you seen? Is it just on the event page on Facebook or does it go beyond that?
Our opposition, while in the minority, are vocal. We experience anti-choice protests in front of some of our health centers and see opposition postings on our Facebook page. However, the most troubling evidence of our opposition at work is the legislative attacks we are seeing at the State and Federal levels. Earlier this year, conservative Members of Congress attempted to defund Planned Parenthood and eliminate access to critical health care services for the millions of women, men and teens we serve. Since their earlier attempt failed, Congress is once again launching an attack on Planned Parenthood. US Congressman Cliff Stearns launched a politically motivated investigation of Planned Parenthood Federation of America and its 83 affiliates. He’s grasping for something, anything, he can use to discredit, damage, or destroy Planned Parenthood. In the last two weeks, the Michigan Legislature passed redundant and unnecessary legislation further restricting access to abortion services and considered additional pieces of legislation that aim to do the same. The fight to protect Planned Parenthood and women’s health is ongoing.
Are you anticipating protesters out in front of ABC?
We pay little attention to the activities of this vocal minority. While protests at the event are a possibility, we look forward to gathering our supporters, informing them about the legislative attacks we are experiencing that are designed to undermine women’s health and letting them know what they can do to make a difference! We are looking forward to raising awareness for Planned Parenthood and highlighting again what our supporters know all too well – Planned Parenthood is an essential reproductive health care provider. 97 percent of our services are preventive; life-saving cancer screenings, birth control, prevention and treatment of STDS, breast health services, pap tests, sexual health education, information and health counseling. The politically motivated attacks on Planned Parenthood are actually attacks on the millions of women, men and teens who rely on us for the care they need and deserve!
Is this the first fundraiser like this at ABC? If not, have you had problems with protesters in the past?
This is our 14th Annual Planned Parenthood Beer Tasting at Arbor Brewing Company. We have experienced protestor activity at only a handful of these events. Protestor activity tends to ebb and flow depending on the political landscape. We are currently experiencing an increase in protestor activity and aggression across the region.
How much money are you hoping to raise?
We hope to raise at least $2,500 at the event. These events also provide us with the opportunity to meet with our supporters face-to-face which increases the likelihood that they will not only support us financially, but also volunteer with us and take action on important public policy issues that impact access to Planned Parenthood and our services.
If you’re in the area, I encourage to stop by and support this very worthy effort. And drink some mighty fine beer while you’re at it!
P.S. I’ll be attending the event and will have a report with some photos and an short interview with co-owner Rene Greff. Stay tuned!
