Bess Fuchs
Recipient of the
Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic Legacy Award
May 2023

Bess Fuchs has lived most of her life in Huntington and raised her two sons there as well. She graduated from Tufts University, Boston School of Occupational Therapy. Later in life she received a degree in Ornamental Horticulture from SUNY Farmingdale. She has been volunteering for various organizations since age seven, when she made fudge for the St. Johnland Fair. As President of the Cold Spring Harbor Friends Foundation, she raised money to build the new library. Some of her interests are horticulture, photography, needlework, and of course, daily walks at Caumsett State Park. She is also the proud grandmother to five grandchildren. 

The Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic Legacy Award acknowledges an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to access to sexual and reproductive health care and empowering individuals to determine their own sexual health and reproductive futures. Bess’ contributions to PPHP have included volunteering in Smithtown, registering voters in our health center, and being a clinic escort, which have had a lasting impact in Suffolk County and beyond. We are thrilled to recognize Bess with this honor and recognize her many years of loyal support to PPHP.