Attorney Cindy Hall on December 21 presented Maeghan Jones, president of the Chattanooga Area Food Bank, with $11,250 in donations from the lawyers and judges who are members of the Chattanooga chapter of the American Inns of Court. Over $10,000 of the donation was raised at an auction held during the local Inn’s annual Holiday Party. The remainder came from private donations made by Inn members.
“Every dollar donated to the Food Bank buys five meals,” said Jones, herself a lawyer. “So, the Inn’s donation will allow us to provide 56,250 meals. I’m thrilled to know my colleagues in the legal community are so willing to give back by making sure their neighbors do not go hungry, especially during the holidays.”
Jones said the Inn’s donation comes at a particularly critical time. “Need has increased by about 30 percent over last year,” she said.
“Hunger is not an issue of charity; it is an issue of justice,” said Hall, president of the local Inn. “The former United Nations Direct General, who’s credited with making that observation, got it right. As lawyers, we have a solemn duty to fight injustice regardless of the form it takes. Doing our part to make sure our neighbors don’t go hungry, especially during the holidays, is in many respects our job.”
Tim Mickel, president-elect of the local Inn, thanked the member attorneys and guests for their generosity and also thanked the companies and individuals who donated items to the auction. “The annual Inn fundraiser to benefit the Food Bank is another great example of the close ties that exist between the local legal community and the greater community. The fundraiser requires a team effort between the local businesses and individuals who generously donate auction items and the Inn members who then participate in the auction and make sure that the donated items generate additional funds for the Food Bank,” said Mickel.
“The spirit of generosity that characterizes this event demonstrates that this community is committed to making sure its citizens are treated justly, whether by ensuring they are fed or by ensuring they have outstanding legal representation when they need it.”
Also known as the Justices Ray L. Brock Jr. - Robert E. Cooper American Inn of Court, the Chattanooga chapter is comprised of more than 100 lawyers and judges. The purpose of the Inn is to improve the skills, professionalism, ethics, and civility of the bench and bar.
For additional information on the local Inn, including these programs and events, contact Sheri Fox, attorney with Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz. at 423 209-4230 or sfox@bakerdonelson.com.
Source: Sheri Fox