Planned Parenthood in Salida Hosts 4th Annual Giving Tree Fundraiser
Once again, Planned Parenthood in Salida will bring the community together to celebrate their success and raise funds to continue their providing high-quality health care services in Chaffee County and surrounding communities through their fourth annual Giving Tree Fundraiser.
The event has been highly successful in the past, raising funds to allow the health center to provide a sliding scale to uninsured patients, IUDs at a reduced cost, reduced cost or free STD testing, and birth control pills at a reduced cost for patients 18 and under.
Health Center Manager Shelley Schreiner sees demand for services and financial assistance increase every year. “We’ve been so fortunate to have the community come together and support us these last few years,” Schreiner said. “And as health insurance premiums become less and less attainable for people, we continue to see more and more patients who are in need of financial assistance to access basic reproductive health care. Now more than ever, the support of our community is key to our ability to provide high-quality, affordable health care to everyone, regardless of income.”
In addition to increased financial need, Schreiner has seen an increase in the geographic reach that the Salida health center serves. “We’re the only Planned Parenthood health center for at least an hour in any direction. We have patients from Chaffee, Lake, Park, Saguache, Summit, Gunnison, Custer, and Fremont counties. The need for our services continues to grow and, with the help of our community, Planned Parenthood in Salida will be here to meet those needs, no matter what.”
The event will be held on Thursday, December 6th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Vino Salida in Poncha Springs. As in previous years, the event will feature ornaments created by local artists from recycled birth control compacts, light appetizers donated from local restaurants, live music from Pint and a Half, 2B1, Briony Hunn and more, as well as $5 wine specials. Shuttle service provided by Chaffee County Shuttle will run from the F St. Bridge to Vino Salida from 5:45 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.
Anyone who would like to support the organization but cannot attend the event can stop by the health center or send contributions to 233 E. 2nd St. in Salida.