Planned Parenthood dinner inspires guests not to 'go back'

There was an unusual amount of energy thumping through the pink-lit ballroom at Hyatt Regency Sarasota on March 9, and the second that Chairman Dennis Rees stepped on stage wearing a “pussy hat,” the popular symbol of support for women’s rights that emerged after President Donald Trump’s election, the crowd roared.

At first glance, the event began much like any other large-scale Sarasota fundraiser. Guests mingled and enjoyed light bites and drinks during cocktail hour — there was even a separate sponsor reception in the Marina Boathouse — but upon further inspection, it was clear that the event had a unique twist.

The silent auction, for example, was referred to as a “mission-based silent auction” that, along with items from over 50 donors, featured several educational materials so bidders could learn about the Planned Parenthood programs and initiatives that their money was supporting, broken down into three categories: patient care, education and advocacy.

When it was time to adjourn to the ballroom for dinner, guests were first greeted by a cluster of young adults in white tunics. Instead of a speech, the group began a dramatic sketch that involved yelling phrases such as “they answered all of my questions, ALL OF THEM!” angrily. The actors continued to furiously shout out services that Planned Parenthood provides until one actor pointed out that all of the statements that they were making seemed to be positive aspects of Planned Parenthood.

After some laughs, the young adults pulled off their tunics to reveal their black and white “We Won’t Go Back” T-shirts, then continued to explain why these services help the patients that come in to use them.  

It was after this performance that Chairman Dennis Rees made his own dramatic appearance onstage. Donning his pink knit symbol of feminism, Rees began to passionately recite old Planned Parenthood slogans. When he got to the current slogan, “Care. Nomatter what,” he explained its connection to the idea behind the evening’s theme, “We Will Not Go back.”

Rees explained that the theme is a reference to Planned Parenthood’s national effort to fight back against defunding, against Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers and against attacks on Roe v. Wade, and he further illustrated this point by reciting several quotes about change and progress by famous activists and politicians such as Rosa Parks, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Lyndon Johnson. In between each quote, he yelled “We will not go back.”

It didn’t take long for the crowd of over 700 — which made up the highest attendance of any Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida event to date — to join in.