By FRED KRONER
They may not be changing the entire world, but several Mahomet women are diligently pursuing the cause.
The latest project for members of the Mahomet Persisterhood organization is the second musical benefit to support Planned Parenthood of Illinois.
The outdoor event will be held at the Rose Bowl Tavern, on Race Street, in Urbana and is from 3-11 p.m. on Saturday, June 7.
Committee member Lisa Cosimini was inspired to help by a portion of Michelle Obama’s speech last summer at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
She took the words to heart, “Do something,” Obama said during her speech.
Event organizer Maggie Kinnamon can relate to the sentiments.
“Action is medicine for me,” Kinnamon said. “It’s easy to fall into hopelessness if you don’t stay active and that’s a real possibility for me.
“Action helps perpetuate more action.”
Another committee member, Corrie Carlson, said it wouldn’t have been possible for her to stand by the wayside and do nothing.
“It’s in my bones to do something … always,” Carlson said. “I cannot watch the world go by without doing something to move things forward, especially for folks without a seat at the table.
“Women need more seats at the table. Economically disadvantaged folks need more seats at the table. Planned Parenthood ticks both of these boxes. I despise injustice, so ‘doing something’ is my way of fighting it.”
Cosimini believes the upcoming benefit, highlighted by a silent auction and eight musical acts, will be “bigger and better,” than the first venture, which took place in March, 2017.
“We have more time (to prepare) and experience,” Cosimini said. “It was such a success the first time. We are excited to do it again.”
Kinnamon said the first Planned Parenthood benefit eight years ago raised more than $11,000.
It’s not by accident that both benefits were scheduled for the first months after the inauguration of President Donald Trump.
“The idea originated in 2017 recognizing that reproductive rights were at risk,” committee member Diana Onken said. “Eight years later, we’re in a similar circumstance even though Illinois is a state where reproductive rights are valued and people can come and have access to what they need.”
Kinnamon said the timing was right for both benefits.
“The first time was the feeling of a lot of fear, what might happen because of the rhetoric,” Kinnamon said. “I had the reaction, I want to do something to counter the messaging.”
She drew upon her background in music to implement her plan.
“Because music is an integral part of my life and because music brings people together, I wanted to do a benefit concert for some organization I thought was in jeopardy,” Kinnamon said.
Planned Parenthood of Illinois was the recipient, then and now.
“It’s an organization that helps and impacts so many people,” Kinnamon said. “Everyone I know has gone or knows someone who has gone.”
The first Music in Action event, held in downtown Champaign at the location formerly known as the High Dive, was planned and staged in a matter of weeks.
“We didn’t know what we were doing, but we did it,” Kinnamon said. “It gave everyone an emotional boost.
“This time around, there will be a lot of the same elements.”
Unchanged, is the support of community members.
Kinnamon estimated that “10 or 12 people,” helped pull together the 2017 benefit. This year, she said, “at least 20 people have been involved.
“We learned that there is less work for all of us if more people are involved.”
The first benefit for Planned Parenthood of Illinois laid the groundwork for future Persisterhood endeavors.
“Our core group has been at it – protests, organization, fundraising, canvassing, elections, etc. – since that first Music in Action, so now we know what we’re doing,” committee member Corrie Carlson said. “We really had no idea the first time around. We were just angry and passionate and motivated.
“We’ve moved from analogue to digital this time around for the silent auction. We’re leveraging the relationships we’ve made over the last nine years to pull in support and talent.”
Not surprisingly, Cosimini has had very few negative responses as she sought donations for the auction to accompany Music in Action 2.0.
“People have been super generous,” she said. “Overall, our auction baskets/packages are wide-ranging and there will be something for everyone. In fact, I expect many people will bid on multiple items.”
Winners do not need to be present to receive their items.
For Carlson, the cause is meaningful.
“Planned Parenthood has taken care of me, personally,” she said. “I have daughters. They do important work, for both men and women.”
The end goal is a simple one.
“I want to support them like they supported me, and I want their work to continue,” Carlson said. “I hope that we raise awareness about Planned Parenthood. They do so much more work than folks think. I hope that women have access to affordable reproductive health.”
And, she added, “I hope the Supreme Court grows a conscience.”
Among the dozens of highlighted items to be available when the online auction bidding opens several days before the June 7 event are:
— $2,500 scholarship to The Royal School of Cosmetology
— sessions with a life coach
— personal training
— genealogy research
— a children’s garden party
— autographed books from a Mahomet author
— a money tree
A minimum bid will be established for each item. People who bid will be notified if someone makes a higher bid.
There will also be a 50/50 raffle.
Cosimini said additional donations will be accepted until May 31. For more information, contact mahometpersisterhood@gmail.com.
The Rose Bowl, which has donated its outdoor venue, has booked a lineup of eight local musical acts, all of whom are also donating their time:
3 p.m.-4 p.m., PBS
4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m., Wildwood
6 p.m.-7 p.m., New Souls
7-7:10 p.m. – Tevo Jordan
7:30 p.m.-8 p.m., Squirrel Movement
8:20 p.m.-8:50 p.m., Dollhouse
9:10 p.m.-9:50 p.m., The Ex Bombers
10:15 p.m.-11p.m., Modern Drugs
“We’re excited that local bands will get to showcase their talents,” Onken said. “The music will cover the gamut (of genres).”
Carrie Chandler, the talent buyer and venue manager at the Rose Bowl, said that “most of the acts,” are ones she is familiar with from previous appearances at the Rose Bowl.
“We have live music every night, 365 days a year and often have two acts a night,” Chandler said.
The performers selected for Music in Action 2.0 will appeal to a wide range of interests.
“There will be rock, bluegrass, R & B, Punk and Indie rock,” Chandler said.
Kinnamon’s children have been involved with each of the Music in Action benefits. Sons Kyle and Kade performed as a duo in 2017. This year, daughter Kara will perform with Dollhouse.
There will be a $20 suggested donation when entering.
Funds raised will go to Planned Parenthood of Illinois. There are clinics around the state, including Champaign.
“Wherever the resources are most needed is where they should go,” Onken said.
The Rose Bowl doesn’t expect weather to be a factor.
“We have a backup plan (for bad weather) so we won’t have to cancel the event,” Chandler said.
The secondary plan would be to relocate inside, which would cut down capacity.
Chandler said the outdoor venue can accommodate “300 to 400 people,” whereas inside would be “a little cozy,” she added, with around 200 to 225 people.
There are unforeseen benefits for the volunteers, Carlson said, in addition to supporting Planned Parenthood.
“I’ve learned so much about myself throughout these projects, and I’ve made the truest and most passionately loving friends I’ve ever had,” Carlson said. “These women and I are out to change the world for our future generations.
“We have accomplished incredible things. It’s wild how one tiny idea, borne out of fear and sadness, can unite an entire community of women. It’s encouraging and badass.”
Cosimini, Kinnamon, Carlson and Onken do not know yet what the next Persisterhood project will be.
“All of us have in mind that this won’t be the last one,” Cosimini said.
The Persisterhood members have been involved in different ways despite the time between the two music fundraisers.
“All of us have full-time jobs,” Cosimini said. “What we’re doing is in our spare time.”
Added Kinnamon: “This is such a big endeavor. We’ve done other things. There are other ways to be socially active.”
When the time comes, Carlson will be prepared.
“I’m all in for it,” she said.
What they – and others in their organization – are doing is something. Really something.
