Planned Parenthood of Utah has decided it's come a long way and it threw a bash at the University Park Hotel Wednesday night to celebrate just how far it has come.
The organization celebrates its 18th anniversary this month. However, it decided to turn this particular anniversary into a major event because it just put down permanent roots in a newly purchased building. The organization has also launched its first capital campaign, raising $300,000 since May.The organization's executive directors from the past flew in for the reception and banquet Wednesday night. Each highlighted the accomplishments of his era.
Michael Chulada was the executive director of Planned Parenthood of Utah from 1975 to 1982. He now has the same position for the Sacramento Valley.
It was during his era that Planned Parenthood of Utah decided it was in the state to stay, he said. "It was clear that Utah needed a planned parenthood organization," he said. During his tenure as director, the number of clients increased from 3,000 a year to 10,000 a year. The need for planned parenthood "was evident in the number of adolescent and unwanted pregnancies in the state," he said.
Private contributions also reflected state support, Chulada said. "We went from $26,000 a year to $170,000 a year."
"We decided we needed to have a permanent presence in this state," Chulada said. "We needed to be here to meet the needs of the people and to help protect reproductive freedom in this state."