Rogers Towers’ unprecedented step to match its attorneys’ contributions to Jacksonville Area Legal Aid resulted in more than 90 percent participation from the firm’s 90-plus lawyers and raised more than $30,000 for JALA. In return, JALA presented the firm Tuesday evening with its 2005 Equal Justice Award.
The presentation to Rogers Towers partner Doug Ward and the keynote address from Barbara Pariente, chief justice of Florida’s Supreme Court were among the highlights at JALA’s annual reception at the River Club. Other highlights included:
• In addition to presenting Rogers Towers with the evening’s top award, JALA presented its 2005 Pro Bono Service Awards to attorneys Hugh Black; Emerson Lotzia, of Foley & Lardner; Andrew Fawbush; and Robert Willis of Willis, Ferebee & Hutton.
• Rogers Towers’ matching offer produced more than 90 percent participation in JALA’s private fundraising campaign among its attorneys, but some firms managed to top even that impressive number. JALA’s database shows three firms with 100 percent participation: Spohrer, Wilner, Maxwell and Matthews; Hedrick, Denberry, Regan and Durant; and Terrell, Hogan.
• The reception itself was a product of local philanthropy. Spohrer, Wilner sponsored the event. JALA Executive Director Michael Figgins said the firm has sponsored all of JALA’s events. Cello music was provided by Alexei Romanenko, principal cellist for the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra.
• In addition to the hundreds of local attorneys who received recognition for their cash contributions to JALA in 2005, there were 29 attorneys who gave anonymously. Personal injury attorney Eddie Farah is the top giver locally. He gave more than $5,000 to JALA’s 2005 campaign.