austinbar.org MARCH 2023 | VOLUME 32, NUMBER 2
20th Annual Austin Bar Foundation Gala Raises $160,000 Funds Raised Support Foundation’s Law-Related Programs, Projects, Grants BY MARY-ELLEN KING, THOMPSON, COE, COUSINS & IRONS, LLP
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early 600 guests attended the masquerade-themed Austin Bar Foundation Gala on January 28, 2023. Members of the legal community, many arriving in beautifully adorned masquerade ball masks and their finest black tie attire, turned out for the event at the Austin Marriott Downtown. Guests enjoyed an elegant pre-event cocktail hour while bidding on a chance to win $10,000 or a gorgeous diamond pendant donated by Diamonds Direct. During the seated dinner, guests were treated to a video presented by Austin Bar President Amanda Arriaga, where they learned more about the Foundation’s various programs and grants and were invited to continue donating. In addition, the video featured three 2023 Distinguished Lawyer Award recipients: Judge Lee Yeakel, Judge Lora Livingston, and Bobby Taylor, each of whom shared their story on the big screen.
The $160,000 raised for the Austin Bar Foundation is the most ever raised at an annual gala event and will be used to support many of the Foundation’s law-related programs and projects throughout the year, such as Austin Adoption Day; the CANLAW Clinic; the Veterans Assistance Programs; the Self-Represented Litigant Program; the Diversity Fellowship Program; scholarships for Texas LGBT law students; and the Justice Mack Kidd Fund. In addition, the Foundation has awarded over $200,000 in grants to law-related organizations. Past grant recipients include American Gateways, continued on page 8 TOP: Austin Bar President Amanda Arriaga (far right) and Austin Bar Foundation Chair David Courreges (far left) with Distinguished Lawyer Award recipients Judge Lee Yeakel (second from left), Judge Lora Livingston (center) and Bobby Taylor (second from right). MIDDLE: (from left to right) Eric Kennedy, Judge Lora Livingston, and St. Clair Theodore. BOTTOM: Paul Betori, Jo Ann Merica, Nikki Maples, Keith Maples, and Greg Hitt.
Donate to the Austin Bar Foundation! Donations are still welcomed. Please use this QR code to make a donation that will support and expand the Foundation’s legal-related charitable and education programs in Central Texas.