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Fonda’s project for teen moms gets a house
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s always tasteful to take along a hostess gift when you attend a party. But Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention founder Jane Fonda couldn’t handily tote what CDM International CEO Christian Michael de Medici brought to the “Blue 2 Do” fund-raiser at Blue Med Spa in Midtown over the weekend.
The entrepreneur and philanthropist presented the two-time Oscar winner with the keys to a new house.
The structure will be used for G-CAPP’s ambitious new Doula Project, which will pair an experienced birth attendant with pregnant girls. The doulas will assist during the birth, but also supplies necessary emotional and social support to their charges before and after the birth.
More than 300 invited guests turned out for the tented occasion, which also served as the second birthday for the popular Midtown spa run by John Stupka.
Upstairs, taking a brief break from the gaggle of guests who all brought $100 gift cards to help furnish G-CAPP’s latest acquisition, Fonda — with her favorite pooch Tulea napping in her lap — filled us in on the project.
“It’s so crucial for these girls to have that support system,” Fonda told Buzz. “It’s important to give them information but they also need to know that they’re loved.”
Fonda then introduced us to de Medici, a self-professed former “circuit boy and trust fund baby” who gifted the house to the nonprofit.
“When 9/11 happened, it served as a wake up call for me,” said de Medici. “Suddenly, I realized that life is not gifted to anyone. I was tired of writing checks. I wanted to get more involved. Because of things I’ve gone through in my own life, Jane Fonda’s work and G-CAPP’s work is very important to me.”
Later, on stage downstairs as the actress-activist introduced two of the doulas who will be working with G-CAPP, you could have heard a bead of condensation inch down a glass of chardonnay as Fonda spoke emotionally and passionately about the program.
“You’re 16, you’re alone, you’re pregnant and you have no one,” Fonda told the crowd. “You’ve got to go to the hospital for the first time and you’re terrified. The doulas are there to help and to love.”
Fonda also stressed the importance of teaching breast-feeding.
Joked Jane as daughter Vanessa Vadim stood in the back, smiling: “My daughter is here tonight. She breast-fed for three years! That bonding is so important. And the mothers realize that this isn’t just a puddle of poop and pee and trouble in her arms. This is something that needs love.”
As she surveyed the crowd, an emotional Fonda blinked back tears as she told the assembled: “I can’t tell you how moved I am for the wonderful community that has been created for us here in Atlanta.”
While we were at the party, we also managed to secure details on Fonda’s elaborate 70th birthday plans here in December. Look for the full scoop in Wednesday’s Buzz.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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