The Storm invites fans to come Stand With Planned Parenthood during July 18 game vs. Chicago, including a pregame rally on the West Plaza
SEATTLE – In a show of support for Planned Parenthood, Force 10 Hoops, the ownership group of the Seattle Storm, announce Stand With Planned Parenthood, a night in support of the organization and the services they provide to 2.5 million people across the country. The celebration of support includes a rally, held July 18, at 5:15 p.m. on KeyArena’s West Plaza, fundraising efforts, and active, ongoing support for the role Planned Parenthood plays in the community.
“As individual Americans who are not legislators, merely citizens, we have felt hamstrung by our limited ability to make a meaningful impact in the national health care debate,” said Storm co-owner Dawn Trudeau. “Access to affordable, quality health care, including a full range of reproductive care, is a critical precondition for anyone – especially girls and women, to pursue their dreams and grow into their best selves.”
Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest and the Hawaiian Islands (PPGNHI) offers a comprehensive range of high-quality reproductive health care services at 18 health centers throughout Western Washington. Patients can all use online health services to get care from a Planned Parenthood provider online and face-to-face through a secure video consultation system on the Planned Parenthood Care app.
“We believe it is important to add our voice in favor of comprehensive health care for girls and women by supporting this wonderful organization,” Trudeau added. “The essential services provided by Planned Parenthood make the organization a natural ally and partner for the Storm.”
“We are thrilled about this first-of-its-kind partnership,” said Christine Charbonneau, CEO of PPGNHI. “The Seattle Storm owners made a decision to publicly support Planned Parenthood making them the first professional sports team to make their voice heard and their stance known. We are proud to work alongside the Storm and their efforts in leveling the playing field for women and girls. Right now, we are seeing a relentless effort to roll back progress for women. Being in this fight alongside our supporters and the Storm is an honor.”
Seattle takes on Chicago, Tuesday, July 18, with tipoff set for 6 p.m. PDT on ESPN2. For every ticket purchased, the Storm will donate $5 to Planned Parenthood. The Storm also will be hosting an online auction, which will include game-worn shoes from Storm players and other items. Any businesses or corporations that are interested in supporting Planned Parenthood can purchase a block of tickets for donation to local Seattle women and children groups, by visiting StormBasketball.com or by calling (206) 217-WNBA (9622).
“Planned Parenthood has not only touched our own lives and those of our friends and families, but has provided vital services to so many in our extended community,” said Trudeau. “As a result, many have enjoyed the freedom to chart the course of their own lives in directions that may not otherwise have been possible. We want that freedom for all girls and women across the country. That’s why we are standing up for Planned Parenthood. We invite you to join us.”
Details for the ‘Stand with Planned Parenthood’ rally, an event that has never been hosted in conjunction with a professional sporting event, will be announced at a later date.
About Planned Parenthood
PPGNHI is the region’s leading sexual and reproductive health care provider and advocate. We believe everyone has the right to choose when or whether to have a child, and that every child should be wanted and loved. The organization operates 27 health centers in Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, and Western Washington and provides medical services and sexuality education for thousands of women, men, and young people each year. Planned Parenthood is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and relies heavily on charitable donations to ensure our patients’ ability to determine their own destinies and receive the health care they need.
About the Seattle Storm
The two-time WNBA champion Seattle Storm is one of six independently owned teams in the WNBA, the world’s most successful women’s professional team sports league. Established in 2000, the Storm is committed to bringing outstanding professional basketball to a fan base rich with tradition and support. The Storm leads the way for change in the community with outreach programs for youth basketball, health and fitness. The organization looks to be an inspiration for girls and women while providing support and motivation to better the Puget Sound. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit StormBasketball.com.