December 2008 (Downloadable PDF)

The Legal Project

Pro Bono Corner
Lisa A. Frisch, Executive Director

13th Annual Pro Bono Reception

I must admit that I was amazed and humbled by the response to our Pro Bono Reception, held on October 23, 2008 at the New York State Museum. We had at least as many people attend this year as we had in 2007, and we raised even more funds to support our program—incredible in this challenging economy. After much angst about whether we would have enough Silent Auction items, I was stunned to end up with 130 wonderful donations!

Everyone seemed to have a great time and enjoy each other’s company, and of course, our focus of the evening is on appreciating our volunteers—epitomized by the pro bono award winners.

Jessica Norgrove, Esq.
Brigid Nolan Memorial Award for Pro Bono Service to Victims of Domestic Violence

Eleanor DeCoursey, Esq.
Stanley A. Rosen Memorial Award for Service to Victims of Domestic Violence

Melissa Latino, Esq.
Kurt Clobridge Memorial Award for Pro Bono Service

The Law Firm of Deily, Glastetter and Mooney, LLP
The Barry A. Gold Law Firm Leadership Award

Equinox, Inc.
The Field of Dreams Award

Thanks also to our incredible underwriters who are listed on our website and to our Honorary Committee Members and of course, to our Silent Auction and Raffle Donors. Your generosity makes a huge difference to us and to the people that we help. All of you who took the time out of your busy schedules and away from your families to join us at the Reception deserve a big thanks as well!

Front Row: Joann Sternheimer, Kathy Magee, Jessica Norgrove, Melissa Latino, Ellie DeCoursey Back Row: Lydia Kulbida, Martin Mooney, Mary Seeley, Lisa Frisch, Ronald Orlando	Award Winner Melissa Latino and friends, Alison Bianchi, Sara Paupini, and Jennifer Richardson.

Albany District Attorney David Soares, Award Winner Ellie DeCoursey and her husband.	Scott Dillon, Leigh Hoffman, Angela Pelaez, Martin Mooney

You can still see all of the photos from the event or even purchase copies by going to: www.joanheffler.com and completing the following steps:

o Click Client login button on bottom right
o Type event code: 23591WLegal8
o Type name and email and click "submit"
o Click "view all images"
o Click "view as slideshow"
o Enjoy the show!

We had a raffle that many of you either helped sell tickets for, or purchased some for yourself, of 4 reserved box seats to any regular 2009 season Yankee baseball game of the winner’s choice plus a roundtrip limo ride by Regency Sedan! The second prize was a signed Mickey Mantle baseball. The 1st Prize Winner is Kathy Wood and the winner of the Mickey Mantle ball is Eric A. Kreuter.

Eric kindly wrote upon receiving the prize that he was talking with his son about The Legal Project and he “explained to him about the importance of the organization and how is helps women who are the unfortunate victims of domestic violence. I admire the work of The Legal Project and support its mission to help people. All to often the victim is either blamed or ignored. We can and should do much more to help victims…”

Eric, with his son Aaron, holding the authenticated baseball, signed by Mickey Mantle

I want to give a very big thank you to Paul Harding of Martin, Harding and Mazzotti, who went above and beyond in his efforts to sell tickets to the raffle, including tactics such as guilt, threats, coercion, humor and just plain strong-arming his staff to help sell the tickets, and to sell some to everyone he has ever met or done business with. Paul was responsible for selling literally hundreds of tickets, in addition to personally donating 2 round trip Southwest tickets for the Pro Bono Reception—resulting in a tremendous donation to The Legal Project. Thank you so much Paul for all that you do for us!

A Special Thanks to Lisa Giruzzi of Transformational Conversations

Lisa Giruzzi is a Board Member of The Legal Project and also the founder of Transformational Conversations in Albany and she celebrated her 5th year in business by holding a fabulous Talent Showcase at Proctor’s Theater in Schenectady on 11/19, with the proceeds donated to The Legal Project. The talent was outstanding, including The Legal Project’s very own Jessica Lennon, bellydancer extraordinaire. Each performer donated their time and talents for the show. It was a wonderful evening and we are very grateful for Lisa’s generosity, and all of her efforts on behalf of our organization. We are lucky to have her on our Board!

Thank you for volunteering in October!

Happy Holidays to all!