Illinois Bar Foundation

The 2008-2009 Annual Report of the Illinois Bar Foundation is now available. The Annual Report highlights the charitable activities of the Foundation and includes a list of donors whose support made these activities possible. The Foundation distributed more than $325,000 to not for profit organizations promoting justice in our state, contributed almost $100,000 to 13 lawyers and their families in financial distress due to medical issues and participated in two joint charitable ventures with the ISBA. "We are proud to say that the IBF has maintained fiscal stability during what has been perhaps the most tumultuous economy decline of the Foundation's existence," said IBF President Vincent F. Cornelius. "Over the course of the last year the Foundation still awarded more than $450,000 in direct assistance." Visit http://www.isba.org/ibf/annualreport.pdf to view the Annual Report online. Call (312) 726-6072 to request a printed copy. As the charitable affiliate of the Illinois State Bar Association, the Illinois Bar Foundation's mission is to ensure meaningful access to the justice system, especially for those with limited means, and to assist lawyers who can no longer support themselves due to incapacity. This past year, through the support of ISBA members, IBF distributed more than $450,000 to support these efforts.

[caption id="attachment_5339" align="alignright" width="300" caption="IBF Board President Vince Cornelius, State Sen. President John Cullerton and Awards Presenter Michael Monico"][/caption] More than 430 people attended the 11th Annual Gala to show their commitment to the Foundation and recognize the 2009 Recipient of the Distinguished Award for Excellence, Illinois Senate President John J. Cullerton, on Oct. 16 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago. Thanks to everyone who supported the event, the IBF met or exceeded every goal for the 2009 Gala, netting more than $230,000. These important funds will be used to help support the Foundation and the many grantee organizations and individuals who receive financial assistance. Oh, What a Night! There was definitely a feeling of excitement in the air that evening. Guests at the sold-out event were given the opportunity to bid on 5 different Live Auction items, and more than 90 Silent Auction items, including a variety of vacation stays, jewelry, wine, artwork, sports memorabilia and sports and concert tickets. Some of the highlights of the Live Auction were a trip for two to the 2010 Masters Tournament Final Rounds, a trip for two to Barcelona, Spain, and a legal letter that was signed by Abraham Lincoln during his days with the firm of Logan & Lincoln. Open space was scarce in the crowded auction area but nobody seemed to mind as they enjoyed specialty martinis and champagne cocktails from the Martini Bar. Bidding was done on computerized terminals that allowed Gala volunteers to carry the terminals around the ballroom, updating the guests on their bids, which encouraged some very competitive bidding wars.  In addition to the two auctions, raffle tickets could be purchased for $100 each for the chance to win either a Trip for Two to San Francisco and Sonoma, CA, a 55" Samsung LCD TV, or $2,500 in cash. Surprisingly, one person was the lucky winner of two of the prizes after purchasing only two tickets; Brian Monico won the San Francisco trip and the $2,500, while Tom Else, an IBF Board member, was the lucky winner of the Samsung TV. While I admit that I may be biased, I believe that this was our best Gala in recent memory. - Vince Cornelius, IBF Board President. The evening's program was kicked off by Board Gala Chair and IBF Silver Fellow Shawn Kasserman of Corboy & Demetrio, who recognized and thanked the two Gala Co-Chairs, Barry Montgomery of Williams, Montgomery & John, and Lorna Propes of Propes and Kaveny, as well as the rest of the Committee members. Brief remarks from ISBA President John O'Brien and IBF Board President Vince Cornelius kept the program moving. Perry Browder of the Simmons Firm, Gala Vice Chair and an IBF Board Member, was introduced as the 2010 Board Gala Chair. After a four-course meal and the Award Presentation by Michael Monico of Monico, Pavich and Spevack to Senator Cullerton, who attended with his wife Pam and family, guests remained to dance to the music of the Ken Arlen Orchestra and find out which items they'd be taking home. All in all, a wonderful time was had by everyone present. Most importantly, with the assistance of these funds the Foundation will continue to move forward in its mission to serve the people of Illinois by ensuring meaningful access to the justice system, especially for those with limited means, and to assist lawyers who can no longer support themselves due to incapacity. Tonight is about the work we do and the efforts we make to ensure that justice is fair for everyone in Illinois. For each of you, I commend your work...I thank you for your charitable efforts and continued work throughout the year. Each dollar you contribute to the works of this Foundation is an investment in the goal to make the idea of freedom truly work. - Sen. John Cullerton during his award speech.

Please save the date for the 2010 Gala on Friday, October 15, 2010!

The Illinois State Bar Association's Young Lawyers Division will host its 12th Annual Holiday Party to benefit the Illinois Bar Foundation/Young Lawyer's Division Children's Assistance Program on Dec. 4 from 6-10 p.m. at the Cubby Bear, 1059 W. Addison. Over $150,000 has been raised to establish children's waiting rooms throughout Illinois and to provide assistance to other child related legal programs. The YLD Children's Assistance Fund is a special fund of the Illinois Bar Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable entity.

• When: Friday, December 4, 2009, 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
• Where: The Cubby Bear Wrigleyville 1059 W. Addison (map and directions)
• What: Complimentary Cover Charge, Open Bar, Appetizers, and LIVE MUSIC
• Cost: $35.00 per person for tickets purchased through November 20 $30.00 per law student for tickets purchased through November 20 $40.00 after November 20 and at the door per person and per law student
• Deadline to register online: December 2

Questions?

[caption id="attachment_4669" align="alignright" width="300" caption="IBF Board Member Richard Zuckerman of Peoria presents a $5,000 grant to Martha Herm, Executive Director of the Center For Prevention of Abuse and Nancy Wright, President of its Board of Directors."][/caption] The Illinois Bar Foundation Board of Directors is pleased to announce a $5,000 grant to The Center for Prevention of Abuse in Peoria, one of 32 grants awarded this year totaling $304,965. The Center for the Prevention of Abuse is the only agency in the state of Illinois to provide combined services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and elder abuse. The Center provides a range of comprehensive programming which includes court advocacy, emergency shelter and transitional housing, crisis intervention, individual and group counseling, advocacy, therapy, education and other support services. The $5,000 grant was made to support the salary of a part time court advocate at the Tazewell County Courthouse. The Court Advocacy program assists clients seeking legal recourse under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act by petitioning the court for an Order of Protection.