Veterans Legal Services Hosts 25th Annual Gala
When:
Wednesday, Feb 24, 2016 6:00p -
9:00p
Wednesday, Feb 24, 2016 6:00p -
9:00p
Where:
Mandarin Oriental Boston
776 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02199
Admission:
Unknown
Categories:
Alcohol, Business, Food, Social Good
Event website:
https://co.clickandpledge.com/advanced/default.aspx?wid=110227
Boston, MA (February 9, 2016) Veterans Legal Services, the primary provider of free legal services to low-income military veterans in the Greater Boston area, announces the 25th anniversary of their annual gala set for Wednesday, February 24, 2016 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Mandarin Oriental Boston.
The goal of the gala is to raise additional awareness and funding for Veterans Legal Services, and to celebrate the accomplishments of its staff, board of directors, committees, and volunteers throughout the previous year, including growing its staff from three full-time employees to six full-time employees and one part-time employee in 2015, including the addition of Lynn Girton as Pro Bono Director. Lynn brings thirty years of legal services expertise to the group. Co-Executive Directors Anna Richardson and Sarah Roxburgh Lucyniak were also recipients of the Margaret Stewart Lindsay Inspiration Award in December 2015 which recognizes organizations and leaders who inspire with their leadership and perseverance to spread social innovation in Boston.
Veterans Legal Services’ budget has also grown from $250,000 to $543,000 in 2015-2016 with contributions from the Cummings Foundation, Robert K. Kraft and the Highland Street Foundation. The increased support allows Veterans Legal Services to increase the number of veterans it is able to service, going from 400 veterans’ cases in 2014-2015 to 550 in 2015-2016. Veterans Legal Services also relocated to a 1,700 square foot location in downtown Boston, allowing them to increase staff and program efficiency.
“Nearly one out of every four homeless persons served our country; those numbers are both alarming and disturbing, said Tim McLaughlin, President of the Board of Directors at Veterans Legal Services. “We continue to make a dent in that number by helping hundreds of veterans year over year with free legal assistance due to the lasting physical, mental and financial impact of military service which often results in legal problems contributing to homelessness, but more must be done throughout 2016 and beyond. The steps we took in 2015, along with the prestigious organizations who have been supporting us, will best position VLS to continue giving veterans the opportunity to live dignified and stable lives.”
The gala will feature a silent auction, complimentary hors d’oeuvres and beverages, as well as live entertainment. Wardrobe is black-tie optional and service uniforms from members of the military are encouraged.
Veterans Legal Services staff and law student volunteers provide on-site walk-in legal services at area shelters and VA hospitals, reaching veterans most in need. They collaborate with shelter staff, social workers and other professionals to provide veterans with comprehensive services tailored to their individual needs. The organization also refers cases to its panel of pro bono attorneys.
At the annual gala, Ropes & Gray, LLP. will be honored with the Outstanding Pro Bono Award.
The firm strives to provide the highest level of pro bono legal advice and support to those who need it most. By providing direct representation and partnering with human rights, legal reform and other organizations, Ropes & Gray helps impoverished individuals, underserved communities, nonprofits and small businesses. In the past year they have received recognition from The American Lawyer’s annual Global Legal Awards, Law360, The Financial Times, The Boston Business Journal, The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Economic Justice, and The Legal Aid Society, for their pro bono efforts.
In addition, Veterans Legal Services will also honor Stephen Pagliuca, Co-Owner, Boston Celtics and Managing Director, Bain Capital, with the Distinguished Service Award. The award is presented annually to an individual in recognition of his or her extraordinary, impactful community contributions. Past recipients include Michael B. Keating of Foley Hoag, LLP and Chair of the Board of The Boston Foundation; the former Attorney General Scott Harshbarger; John J. Regan of WilmerHale; and Vincent Rougeau, Dean of Boston College Law School.
Steve Pagliuca is Co-Owner of the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association and an American private equity investor, Managing Director of Bain Capital. Pagliuca is also a member of Harvard Business School’s (HBS) Board of Dean’s Advisors, Harvard University’s Board of Overseers’ Committee on University Resources, the HBS Healthcare Initiative Advisory Board and co-chair of the HBS Fund. He is a member of Duke University’s Board of Trustees and serves on Massachusetts General Hospital’s President’s Council. In 2005, Pagliuca received the Bright Star Award as recognition for his charitable activities from Bill Clinton. In 2010, Habitat Humanity presented him with the American Dream Award for outstanding contributions to the Greater Boston Community.
For more information about gala tickets and sponsorship opportunities, please call 857-317-4474 or visit www.veteranslegalservices.org.
About Veterans Legal Services:
Veterans Legal Services (VLS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization offering free legal services to low-income veterans in the Boston area. VLS promotes self-sufficiency, financial security and stability for this population by providing comprehensive and accessible legal services. By locating legal clinics at homeless shelters and service centers, VLS reaches those who would likely otherwise go without the help they need. VLS serves approximately 450 veterans per year at the New England Center and Home for Veterans, the Chelsea Soldiers’ Home, Massachusetts Stand Down for Veterans, the Bedford VA Medical Center, the Norfolk Veterans Treatment Court, and other community events for veterans and deploying and returning troops. For more information, please visit www.veteranslegalservices.org.
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