Legal Aid Service of Broward County’s
8th Annual FOR THE PUBLIC GOOD
Raises $120k to support Children’s Advocacy Project

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL –May 27, 2009 – Legal Aid Service of Broward County (LAS) hosted its 8th Annual FOR THE PUBLIC GOOD event at the Fort Lauderdale Grande Hotel and Yacht Club on May 15th and celebrated its 35th anniversary.  A sold-out crowd of nearly 300 guests attended this year’s event themed “You’ve Been Served.” Funds raised reached $120,000.

Proceeds from the event benefit children and families served by LAS. Among the many legal services provided, LAS helps abused children in foster care, the homeless, children in need of special education, victims of domestic violence and families losing their homes to foreclosure.

The event celebrated individuals and entities who have demonstrated leadership in helping low-income people gain access to justice; and featured a silent auction, award ceremony and dinner.  

“This year’s FOR THE PUBLIC GOOD was the most successful yet.  The event highlights the generosity of Broward County’s legal community in support of Legal Aid Service and its programs,” said Kathy Thomsen, Director of Development for Legal Aid Service of Broward County.

Honorary Co-Chairs were Terrence and Mary Kay Russell and Russell E. and Janet Carlisle. Event Committee Co-Chairs are Katherine O. Birnbaum, Esq. and Juliette E. Lippman, Esq. Master of Ceremonies was Elizabeth G. Daugherty, Esq.

The prestigious 12th Annual Russell E. Carlisle Award was presented to Adele I. Stone, Esq. Additionally, these special pro bono awards were presented. CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY AWARD: Griselda Hale; CONSUMER LAW AWARD: John D. Bristol, Esq.; LEGAL CLINIC OF THE YEAR AWARD: Prof Larry Fedro - St. Thomas University School of Law; COMMUNITY ADVOCACY AWARD, PROJECT PARTNERS: Broward County Hispanic Bar Association; Hispanic Unity of Florida; Catholic Charities Legal Services; and Legal Aid Service of Broward County; FAMILY LAW AWARD: Nathalie Parchment, Esq.; LEGISLATIVE AWARD: Rep. Ari Porth- District 96; HOUSING LAW AWARD: Eugene Lewis, Esq.; VOLUNTARY BAR ASSOCIATION AWARD: Broward County Bar Association; YOUNG LAWYERS AWARD: Ahmand Johnson, Esq. and LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR AWARD: Kirschbaum, Birnbaum, Lippman & Gregoire, PLLC. These honorees gave their time, through Legal Aid Service of Broward County’s pro bono program, Broward Lawyers Care, to represent individuals who would not have access to the justice system without their assistance.

The 8th Annual FOR THE PUBLIC GOOD was supported by generous donations from the following major sponsors: Dr. Arthur and Belinda Keiser; The Sun-Sentinel; Daily Business Review; Atkinson Diner Stone Mankuta & Ploucha, P.A.; Colodny Fass Talenfeld Karlinsky Abate; JM Family Enterprises, Inc.; Kirschbaum, Birnbaum, Lippman and Gregoire, PLLC; Broad and Cassel; Russell E. Carlisle, Esq.; Broward County Bar Association; The Las Olas Company, Glantz and Glantz and Sustaining Sponsor: Broad and Cassel.

ABOUT LEGAL AID SERVICE OF BROWARD COUNTY:  Legal Aid Service of Broward County (LAS) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit law firm and has been providing free civil legal services to Broward County children, families and senior citizens for more than 30 years.  Last year, LAS assisted over 3,000 people at no charge.  In addition to its own staff, LAS also manages the largest pro bono program in Broward County, Broward Lawyers Care.
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