Portland, May 30th, 2014. At the Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon breakfast, Senator Jeff Merkley, the first man ever to receive the Marilyn Epstein Pro-Choice Champion Award, smiled with his wife, Mary Sorteberg; Senator Ron Wyden; Oregon Senate Majority Leader Diane Rosenbaum; and Oregon House Majority Leader Val Hoyle. The event drew 250 people and raised about $30,000. (photo credit, Andie Petkus)
Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon board members with Leticia Van de Putte.
All of the Pro-Choice Champions together in one place: from left, former State Rep. Mary Nolan (2011), Senator Jeff Merkley (2014), Oregon Senate Majority Leader Diane Rosenbaum (2013) and Oregon Secretary of State Kate Brown (2012).
Texas State Senator Leticia Van de Putte
Texas State Senator Leticia Van de Putte delivered a powerful keynote speech at the 4th annual Courageous Voice Breakfast at Portland Art Museum. Van de Putte, who is poised to become the first Latina Lieutenant Governor of the Lone Star State, came to national prominence during last year’s infamous filibuster when she asked on the Senate floor, “At what point must a female senator raise her hand or her voice to be recognized over the male colleagues in the room?”
Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian stands up for Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon.
A standing ovation for 2014 Pro-Choice Champion Senator Jeff Merkley from 2011 Pro-Choice Champion Mary Nolan and 2012 Pro-Choice Champion Kate Brown!
Oregon House Majority Leader Val Hoyle presented the 2014 Pro-Choice Champion Award with last year’s recipient, Oregon Senate Majority Leader Diane Rosenbaum.
State Reps. Alissa Keny-Guyer and Joe Gallegos woke up bright and early for Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon.
Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon Board Member and State Rep. Jennifer Williamson with her husband, Paul Loving.
Staff from Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette came out to support the breakfast.
From Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon:
Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon is the statewide political voice for Planned Parenthood’s two affiliates in Oregon and for women’s health care. PPAO defends the Planned Parenthood mission by advocating for public policy that will enhance and protect women’s health; by building support and accountability among our elected officials in Oregon; and by engaging and motivating the public. PPAO is not affiliated with any political party, but is instead organized to support those state and local candidates who have taken responsible positions on women’s health care, including birth control and abortion.
