Raise Your Glass! The Planned Parenthood of Greater New York’s Spring Gala Honored Pink

William J. Borner, board chair, and Wendy Stark, president and CEO of PPGNY, took to the platform to touch on PPGNY’s reach—having served over 87,000 patients across New York state in the past year alone. Stark also highlighted those who are increasingly vulnerable and threatened with losing their right to healthcare, abortion access, and gender-affirming care. “The times that we’re living in now will change,” she said. “This too shall pass and there are enough of us around the country fighting for what is right. Know that there is a brighter future ahead—and don’t give up hope.”

Amy Poehler, Isa Briones, Melissa McCarthy, and Jenny Slate were among the starry talent who had also sent video messages voicing their support for the organization—and their words certainly helped to bolster the evening’s fundraising. Auctioneer Kimberly Pirtle Gabriel led the paddle raise round—her energy on par with her fabulous chartreuse ensemble.

Others in attendance included Patricia Arquette, Marilyn Minter, Hannah Bronfman, and Iris Apatow. It’s a cause close to the Pretty Lethal star’s heart, as she volunteered with the University of Southern California’s Planned Parenthood chapter doing boots-on-the-ground work during her school years. “I got to go to a lot of fairs, hand out brochures, talk to people, and educate them,” Apatow told Vogue. “It’s good to learn how to educate people—it’s an active way of how I spring into action.”

The night even debuted new merch for PPGNY—splashed with slogans like ‘Don’t F*ck With Us, Don’t F*ck Without Us’—which was for sale alongside the work of other New York-based labels like Miss Claire Sullivan and Zankov.

No matter where you looked, PPNYG’s main message was not to be missed. Alexis McGill Johnson, CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, urged the room: “Here’s the thing: you don’t get ready—you stay ready. Don’t ask for permission. Stand up to people, because we are all here to ensure that your freedom is free. You should not have to work as hard as the generations before us; the only work you need to do is to make sure that you pass it on.”

As the night wrapped and the last bites of lemon meringue were enjoyed, one poignant statement from Moore-Hart lingered in the air. “Knock on doors, donate, educate yourself, and help to educate others. It’s only human that we don’t tend to care about things until we’re directly affected by them—and that’s something that should be looked at and changed.”