E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O R’ S M E S S A G E J o h n F. K y n e s – H i l l s b o r o u g h C o u n t y B a r A s s o c i a t i o n
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fade away and are replaced by a shared commitment to camaraderie and service.”
“ It’ s been great to see how these events have grown over the years, and seeing such a massive turnout this year reminds me why the HCBA is so vital to Tampa’ s legal community,” Hall added.
The evolution of the“ Judicial Pig Roast”— as it was affectionately dubbed at its inception in 2004— reached a new milestone this year. There were a record-breaking 44 food and drink booths, a staggering leap from the 22 booths that inaugurated the event two decades ago.
From innovative“ libation stations” to“ best grub” contenders, the creativity of our local firms and committees was at an all-time high. The atmosphere was a far cry from the single black smoker under an oak tree, yet it maintained that same collaborative“ Pig Roast” spirit that HCBA leaders envisioned.
This year, the top prize for“ Best Hub” for most creative booth went to Anthony & Partners for its“ superheroes” theme.
The judges from the 13th Circuit won runner-up for their patriotic-themed booth commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States.
The trophy for“ Best Grub” was awarded to the Asian Pacific Bar Association of Tampa Bay( APABA), and the runner-up winner was the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court and Comptroller.
The“ Best Libation Station” went to Mendes, Reins & Wilander, and the runner-up trophy went to the Tampa Hispanic Bar Association.
And the“ Best Sweets and Treats” prize went to Shutts & Bowen, and runner-up honors went to The Spring of Tampa Bay.
But while the festive atmosphere and culinary delights are a major draw, the day’ s overriding mission is centered on service. Since 2009, the 5K Pro Bono River Run—
originally called the“ Judicial Race to the Courthouse”— has been held in conjunction with the Food Festival.
“ This year’ s sold-out 5K Run was a tremendous success with 300 participants,” said 13th Circuit Judge Darren Farfante, who co-chaired the 5K event along with Judge Alissa Ellison.“ The 5K Planning Committee deserves special thanks for their dedicated efforts in making the 5K such a wonderful event.”
As a result of last year’ s 5K run, a total of 2,900 pro bono service hours were pledged.
Special recognition was given to Lynn Hanshaw, winner of the Rosemary Armstrong Proven Producer Award, who performed 250 hours of pro bono service.
And the Pro Bono Challenge Cup, awarded to the team that raised the most overall pro bono pledges, went to Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP. The fastest overall 5K male winner was Caedmon
Higgins, and the overall female winner was Andrea Lundy. And the fastest male judge was Judge Matthew Smith, and the fastest female judge was Judge Colleen O’ Brien.
Finally, a huge thank you to all our financial sponsors for their generosity, as well as the many individuals who volunteered, walked, cooked, or pledged pro bono hours.
You are the reason the HCBA continues to lead the way in both professional excellence and community impact. n
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