MEMBERSHIP
From the Foundation
Fun , Games , and a Mission . We Support A Non-Profit that Makes Us Proud .
ROBERT G . WELLON Wellon Family Law rob @ wellonfamilylaw . com
Picture this – Law firm associate moonwalking on stage to Michael Jackson ’ s “ Thriller ," complaining about billing and more billing … Or this – someone outfitted with aviator glasses , swirling , and twirling to the songs from Top Gun . Or lawyers running in unison with police officers in a road race , in support of their fallen comrades . These events from The Bard Show / Courthouse Line , End of Summer Party , and the Legal Runaround are all fundraising activities sponsored by the Atlanta Bar Foundation , the charitable arm of The Atlanta Bar Association . To what end ? To raise money for the Bar ’ s special projects and charities .
The Atlanta Bar Foundation has raised almost $ 1.4 million for the Atlanta Bar ’ s youth development programs and its Grants Program which supports community pro bono legal service providers . One example is the Summer Legal Internship Program in which high school students are placed with law firms , judges , corporate counsel , and government agencies for a summer to learn about the practice of law and be mentored in gaining a true-life experience . From this program , many students go on to law school , practice law in the Atlanta Community , and even one former participant now holds the office of district attorney .
The Minority and Diversity Clerkship Program allows students to see how quality lawyers practice . They work alongside other summer law clerks to increase the number of students of diverse backgrounds preparing to practice in Atlanta firms . The Legal Runaround is another program that offers children of police officers killed or disabled in the line of duty , the opportunity to receive scholarship assistance for college or other institutes of higher learning .
Unfortunately , these programs are in urgent need of funding due to the pandemic . The paucity of fundraising events such as those mentioned means the Foundation must turn to other resources and programs to help fill the void .
A fundraising campaign has been initiated under the leadership of Foundation board member Alan Poole to present a variety of different activities which need the support of our Bar members . A general solicitation was undertaken , which raised almost $ 40,000 , primarily through the generosity of past presidents of our association , who dearly recognize the value of these programs . We ask you to prick up those ears , turn a watchful eye and participate in this fundraising effort . Events being considered include a virtual variety show , an outdoor movie night , whiskey-tasting , cooking / cocktail making class , trivia night or one that you may want to create .
YOUR FOUNDATION NEEDS YOU !
Come along , get involved , be a part of these plans to ensure our fundraising efforts continue to have a vital impact on our legal community .
To learn more about its mission , accomplishments , leadership , and how you can support Foundation initiatives , visit atlantabar . org .
For Foundation-related questions , contact President Rob Wellon at rob @ wellonfamilylaw . com or Executive Director Terri Bryant at tbryant @ atlantabar . org
www . atlantabar . org THE ATLANTA LAWYER 25