IL Bar Foundation Gala-Palooza
Illinois Bar Foundation Gala-Palooza
October 12-16
Learn More Here
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A Letter from SCBA Members Claire Manning, Jim Lestikow, Steve Scott, and Don Tracy
Illinois Bar Foundation’s Gala-Palooza,
Supporting Statewide Access to Justice & Attorneys in Need
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve learned that activities as simple as going into the office or enjoying a meal with friends are not necessarily guaranteed. Like many organizations, the Illinois Bar Foundation (IBF) has had to recalibrate its usual events and
fundraising initiatives to the “new normal”. Throughout the evolving challenges we have all faced during this time of uncertainty, one thing has remained constant: the IBF’s commitment to serving the community.
The IBF’s mission is to ensure meaningful access to the justice system for individuals with limited means and to assist attorneys and their families who can no longer work due to catastrophic illness or injury. As the only statewide, voluntarily-funded Bar Foundation in Illinois, the IBF strives to promote access to justice and support our colleagues during times of crisis from our northern counties bordering Wisconsin to the southernmost borders of Missouri & Kentucky. In Central Illinois, the IBF supports organizations such as Land of Lincoln Legal Aid through our Access to Justice Grants Program, as well as statewide initiatives serving the region such as Illinois Legal Aid Online, Public Interest Law Initiative, and Equip for Equality.
In addition to the IBF Fellows Program, which allows members to contribute annual gifts starting at just $100 per year, or less than $9 per month, the IBF also hosts events throughout the State to raise money for organizations providing civil legal aid to disadvantaged populations and our colleagues in need of financial support due to illness or injury. With the spread of COVID-19 beginning this spring, the IBF Board has reformatted the popular October Gala, typically held in Chicago at the Four Seasons Hotel, to safely and virtually bring the State together while continuing to raise funds for the two very worthy causes of its mission.
This October, please consider joining us for the first-ever virtual Gala Palooza, a new opportunity to experience the community and festivity of IBF events from the comfort of your own home.
On Monday, October 12th from 7-8 pm, the IBF will host “One Magical Evening”, an all ages, interactive Zoom magic show featuring Palmer House magician Dennis Watkins. Next, on Wednesday, October 14th from 12-1 pm, spend your lunch hour enjoying performances from the “Lawyers Rock Hall of Fame”, featuring selected highlights of the last 9 years of lawyer-led bands rocking out for justice. The festivities conclude on Friday, October 16th from 3:30 – 5 pm with a Cocktail Hour Celebration, honoring David Sosin with the IBF Champion Award, Kenya Jenkins- Wright and Dr. Mary Milano with the IBF Changemaker Awards, and Simmons Hanly Conroy with the IBF Advocate Award. The virtual party will feature music by the Ken Arlen Orchestra, an array of exciting, COVID-friendly silent auction items, remarks from IBF leadership and honorees around Illinois, and more.
Tickets are $100 each and include admission to all three events. Sponsorships start at just $1,000 and are 100% tax-deductible. If you can’t attend, we encourage you to take a look at the silent auction selection for unique gifts and experiences, or make a tax-deductible donation in support of the work of the IBF. For tickets or more information, please visit www.IllinoisBarFoundation.org or call 312-726-6072. We hope to “see” you there starting on October 12, and can’t wait to celebrate together in the future soon.
Signed,
Claire A. Manning, Brown Hay + Stephens
IBF Board of Directors & Gala-Palooza Committee Member
James M. Lestikow, Hinshaw & Culbertson
IBF President 2014-15
R. Stephen Scott, Scott & Scott, P.C.
IBF Board of Directors
Donald R. Tracy, Brown Hay + Stephens
IBF Board of Directors 2012-18, IBF Secretary 2014-18