Planned Parenthood holds a special place in my heart for all the work they do in the communities they serve. Even more, Planned Parenthood holds a special place in my uterus for all the free birth control they’ve given me. As blunt and foolish as the second half of that truth may sound, it’s still a truth and one I have zero shame in saying. In the last decade that that I’ve developed my professional career, I saw a few unfortunate months turned into years where I was in between jobs. It was during those times that I realized how important employer given health insurance and health care really is. The lack of such health care meant I was left to navigate the system on my own. I liken it to trying to navigate through Jumanji; you might get lucky and figure it out, but chances are you won’t…and then you’ll die.

Thankfully a friend recommended Planned Parenthood.

The organization has offered quality health care and educational programs to men, women, adolescents, and children since opening in 1916. That means they’ve survived and held strong throughout many of the world’s biggest events. The Great Depression, the end of segregation, Vietnam, World War I and II, the women’s suffrage movement, Y2K, the recession, the war on Iraq, and Donald Trump. Add to that they’ve managed to keep strong despite conservative individuals who have nothing better to do than stand outside their facilities shouting their beliefs. Because of that, Planned Parenthood continues to offer its services in more than 600 health centers throughout the United States to millions of patients—myself included.

To raise funds to continue to keep their offices open and growing, the Los Angeles division of Planned Parenthood holds a unique event titled: Food Fare. What started as a cooking demo in 1979 with the prestigious and respected Julia Child has now turned into the largest fundraising event of the year for Planned Parenthood Los Angeles. This past weekend, I attended the two-part event at the Barker Hanger in Santa Monica. With a morning and evening session, Food Fare showcased more than 150 restaurants, caterers, and beverages with a select number of apparel brands sprinkled throughout. Restaurants included Belcampo, Buddy Pops, The Halal Guys, Michael’s, Milo and Olive, Salazar, Salt’s Cure, Simone, and many more (photos below). With raffles and auctions held within the space, attendees were able to walk away with a few prizes in addition to the delicious food and drinks given throughout the event.

I had such a great time attending and photographing the event because it felt wonderful to be around so many people who eagerly support Planned Parenthood. Yes, the delicious food and pours of wine was another favorite part of mine, but I truly enjoyed seeing all the faces who continue to fund an organization that helps so many people who need it. It may be easy to forget that affordable health care isn’t prevalent throughout the states, but Planned Parenthood and the donations from others are making that a possibility. From the bottom of my heart (and my uterus), thank you Planned Parenthood for all you’ve done and all that you continue to do. 

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