It's that time of year again.
The holiday season is a distant memory, spring is right around the corner and the service opportunities and events of the Young Lawyers Section of The Jacksonville Bar Association are in full swing.
Last month the section, with the invaluable help of the Northeast Florida Paralegal Association, hosted its annual "Holiday in January" service project. The event was 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan.19 at Family Support Services Center. It is designed to provide local foster children who were displaced during the holidays a real, old-fashioned Christmas complete with presents, a pizza party, cookie decorating, face painting and a visit from Santa Claus. As a bonus this year, we brought in a bounce house and the children had a blast.
With the help of YLS board member and Holiday Chairwoman Alexandria Hill, our generous sponsors Akerman, Alexander DeGance Barnett, Dawson Orr and my wonderful daddy, Tom Tygart, we were able to give 25 children their first bicycles.
Additionally, please join us 8:30-9:30 a.m. Feb. 28 in the sixth-floor conference room of the Duval County Courthouse where the YLS will host a Judicial Breakfast with Circuit and County Court judges. A light breakfast spread with coffee and juice will be available along with a Valentine's Day treat.
We already have 50 people scheduled to attend, including 10 judges. For additional information or to RSVP, contact Jennifer Kifer at [email protected].
Next month, the YLS will host its 3rd Annual Chili Cook-Off from noon-3 p.m. March 2 at Florida Coastal School of Law. It's an awesome event and not to be missed.
All proceeds will benefit Community Connections, a Jacksonville-based charity that provides services and support to homeless and low-income women, children and families.
The past two years have been a tremendous success because of the generosity of local businesses and law firms. We have lowered the entry fees and sponsorship opportunities this year to make it even easier for your firm to support this worthy cause. Your firm can enter a team for only $150 and sponsorship opportunities range from $100-$250. Please join us and eat some delicious chili, drink a few cold beers, listen to live music and bid on items at our silent auction, all while supporting a very worthy cause.
For more information about team entries and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Eric Roberson at [email protected].
Additionally, please save the date and mark your calendars for the annual YLS "Run For Cover" 5K road race to raise awareness for early detection of skin cancer. This year's race starts at 5:30 p.m. May 11 in Riverside Park. Please tune in next month for more detailed information.
All of these wonderful events and service projects would not be possible without the hours of time and effort expended by the section's board of governors consisting of Michael Orr, Michelle Bedoya Barnett, Patrick Kilbane, Christian George, Bradley Blair, Eric Roberson, Shea Moser, Beau Baker and Renee Maxey along with volunteer board members Hill, Kifer, Tim Miller, Brittany Mauerberger, Katie Deal, Christine Bell, Gordon Fenderson, Matthew Havice, Sarah Anderson and Joe Teichert.
For additional information regarding the section or any of our events or service opportunities, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected].
I look forward to seeing each of you at our exciting upcoming events.