Evanston Dance Party Raises $10,000 For Planned Parenthood Of Illinois

EVANSTON, IL - On July 31, a group of women business owners brought together by Rachel Hershinow, owner of Stella boutique helped to host an open air dance party (pictures attached) with a portion of proceeds going to benefit Planned Parenthood of Illinois. The party was organized by Diana Hamman, owner of The Wine Goddess wine shop. A raffle and t-shirt sale was organized by Jaime Leonardi, owner of Stumble & Relish, a gift shop in Evanston. During the party, Ailie Ayres of Aim & Ailie Hair Salon did trims and braids for over a dozen people who agreed to donate to the effort's GoFundMe campaign.

"All told, we will deposit just over $10,000 into the GoFundMe as a result of things that happened at the dance party," says Hamann. "And we're not done yet. Our endgame goal is to raise $100,000 for Planned Parenthood via the Evanstonians for Reproductive Rights GoFundMe (https://www.gofundme.com/f/evanstonians-for-reproductive-rights) in August and September."

Next up, these business owners will be joined by 100+ who will host a "Shop, Dine & Give" from August 11-14. Participating stores and restaurants will put a portion of the week's sales into the GoFundMe during that time. Details on participating stores will appear on the GoFundMe page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/evanstonians-for-reproductive-rights, but the organizers expect over 100 businesses to join the effort (strength in numbers). "We cannot allow the overturning of Roe v Wade to be a tipping point in history," says Hershinow. "We must fight extra hard right now, not only for our right to bodily autonomy, but for all of the other rights that hang in the balance if we do not show strength. We're actively seeking businesses who want to participate in the Shop, Dine and Give. Reach out to us at evanstoniansforreprorights@gmail.com"

Following that, on Saturday August 20th, artists and allies for reproductive rights are hosting the 4th "Nasty Women of Evanston" Art Fundraiser. "From 6-9p at 1100 Florence Ave, join us at a Fundraiser in support of Planned Parenthood and the Chicago Abortion Fund," says Lisa Degliantoni, founding member of Nasty Women Evanston. "Guests can shop for art donated by artists who identify as Allies of Reproductive Rights. Each piece is 12”x12” and each sells for $100. This event raises thousands each year, and we understand the urgent need to direct funding toward this GoFundMe."

Events will continue until the GoFundMe reaches $100,000. Watch for more details in future press releases.

This press release was produced by Evanstonians for Reproductive Rights. The views expressed here are the author's own.