Former Covert CIA Operations Officer Draws Supporters of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon

Portland, May 3rd.  Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon held a special fundraising breakfast featuring best selling author, Valerie Plame Wilson. Supporters who gathered at the Portland Art Museum heard about Wilson’s life as a covert CIA Operations Officer and how she worked to protect America’s national security. (Photo Credit, Andie Petkus) Oregon Secretary of State Kate Brown, recipient of the 2012 Marilyn Epstein Pro-Choice Champion Award, posed with CIA Valerie Plame Wilson.

PPAO Political Director Amy Hojnowski, Field Organizer Nichi Masters, Executive Director Laura Terrill Patten, Field Organizer Alicia Temple and Communications & Fundraising Manager Jimmy RadostaPPAO Political Director Amy Hojnowski, Field Organizer Nichi Masters, Executive Director Laura Terrill Patten, Field Organizer Alicia Temple and Communications & Fundraising Manager Jimmy Radosta

PPAO Political Director Amy Hojnowski, Field Organizer Nichi Masters, Executive Director Laura Terrill Patten, Field Organizer Alicia Temple and Communications & Fundraising Manager Jimmy Radosta

Portland mayoral candidate Charlie Hales and his wife, NancyPortland mayoral candidate Charlie Hales and his wife, Nancy

Portland mayoral candidate Charlie Hales and his wife, Nancy

Portland State University student, blogger and mother Sophia Brugato stole the show with an inspiring story about how Planned Parenthood changed her life.

State Representative Mary Nolan, recipient of the 2011 Marilyn Epstein Pro-Choice Champion Award, and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici

A standing ovation for Valerie Plame Wilson

The crowd-pleasing meal was created by Vibrant Table.

Oregon Treasurer Ted Wheeler and PPAO Government Relations Consultant Maura Roche

Kristin Steele, Dwight Adkins, Samantha Swaim & Andrew Hogan, the team from Samantha Swaim Fundraising, earned high prise from attendees and organizers.

Keynote speaker, Valerie Plame Wilson, found herself at the heart of a political firestorm in 2003 when the Bush administration revealed her secret status to a conservative columnist who published her name. At the event she discussed her autobiography, “Fair Game: My Life as a Spy, My Betrayal by the White House.” 

Proceeds from the special breakfast benefited Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon, which works to keep Oregon one of the three most pro-choice states in the nation.

From Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon: Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon is an independent, non-partisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the political arm of Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon engages in educational and electoral activity including public education campaigns, grassroots organizing, and legislative advocacy.

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Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.

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