Big crowd and loads of laughs build support for local perinatal program.

HOOD RIVER, Ore., May 9, 2016 — On Thursday, April 28, lots of local mamas and many others gathered at Springhouse Cellar Winery in Hood River for a live performance of “The Mama-logues: A Comedy About Motherhood.” The traveling show traditionally benefits a not-for-profit that empowers healthy families and childbirth.

For this performance, the proceeds went to One Community Health’s (OCH) perinatal program, a decision that was spearheaded by Rita Pinchot of White Salmon, who has been acting in the show for three years and helped bring it to the Columbia River Gorge. She selected OCH after learning about its successful perinatal program and commitment to helping all members of the community, including low-income patients.

According to Pinchot, the performance raised approximately $2,300 for OCH, which is celebrating its 30th Anniversary this year. The show’s producer, Laurie Levy, said she and the cast, most of whom came from Seattle and all on their own dime, were thrilled with the turnout and about supporting an organization that aligned with the show’s mission.

“We weren’t sure what to expect, given we had never put on the show in this area before,” Levy says. “But the turnout was super, and we were just tickled by the fabulous response. The venue was perfect and crowd was lively, which made the whole performance that much more fun.”

The audience was filled mostly with moms, but a few fellas came, too. Loads of laughter consistently erupted with two acts packed with funny stories, skits and songs. However, a few tears surfaced, too, such as during more serious scenes, highlighting topics like cancer, autism and adoption. The show’s material, which is based on well known mom-tastic blogs, books and articles, exposed a lot of raw yet wonderful truths about families, moms and motherhood, keeping everyone highly entertained and wanting more. Should the show return to the area, everyone will be in luck, considering each year, the material is rewritten for relevant, timely content, keeping it always new and fresh.

"We were honored to be chosen to receive the proceeds from the show," says Dr. Erica Didier of One Community Health, who was on hand to help with ticket sales that evening and watch the show. "It was a packed house of moms and their supporters, and everyone really enjoyed the performers' enthusiasm for the material, which was hilarious as well as touching.”

One Community Health would like to thank all who volunteered before and after the show. In addition, a round of applause goes out to Rita Pinchot for leading the effort to bring the show to her area. One Community Health is also grateful to Hood River’s Springhouse Cellar for donating its space for free. Finally, three cheers to the Mama-logues’ director, Deborah King, producer/actor, Laurie Levy, and the rest of the cast: Brenda Blasingame, Tascha Madaffari, Darcey Pickard, Rita Pinchot, Shelby Skiena, Gabrielle Soloma de Cadavid and Jessica Tabakin.

About One Community Health

One Community Health (OCH) is a nonprofit, federally qualified health center with locations in The Dalles and Hood River, Ore. Formerly known as La Clínica del Cariño Family Health Care Center, Inc., it was founded in 1986 and, today, has evolved into an official Patient-Centered Primary Care Home. Today, OCH provides services to over 10,000 patients. In addition, OCH excels in providing proactive educational programs and support that sustain its integrated approach to health and wellbeing. Dedicated to advancing health and social justice for all its community members, OCH serves patients from the Mid-Columbia River Gorge Region: Wasco, Hood River, Klickitat and Skamania Counties.