Editorial
Front Page - Friday, July 3, 2009
Bar Auxiliary provides forum for friendship, volunteer work
David Laprad
Some organizations wear their charity work on their sleeves; others are subtler in their efforts to do good in their community. The Chattanooga Bar Association Auxiliary is one of the latter. Founded in 1966 to promote good relations among the spouses of legal professionals in the city, the Auxiliary is equal parts social club and charitable association. From wine tastings to penny auctions, there are plenty of opportunities for members to enjoy themselves while making a difference in the community.
President Caroline von Kessler, director of development at Hunter Museum of American Art, says membership in the Auxiliary is less demanding than in other local volunteer organizations. “We meet at least every other month, either in the evenings or for lunch. Sometimes our meetings are purely social; sometimes we take care of business. There’s not a lot of work involved, though, unless you want there to be.”
Those who want to pitch in can help the Auxiliary with its two core missions: the distribution of a legal guidebook for young adults called “When You Become 18” and raising money for Children’s Home/Chambliss Shelter.
Written in a humorous and straightforward manner, “When You Become 18” explains the rights and legal obligations of adults in America. The publication, which lawyers help to write, leaves no stone unturned as it touches on voting, jury duty, marriage, divorce, child support, credit, consumer protection and more. It even covers sexual harassment, drug use, crime and other tough subjects. Since 1998, the Auxiliary has put a copy of “When You Become 18” in the hands of every senior graduating from a public, private or home school in Chattanooga.
“We might be the only Bar Auxiliary other than California publishing the book. It’s a great resource,” says Von Kessler. The organization could use more help with the project, she adds, as the Auxiliary is expanding its distribution to include young adults in Knoxville and Greeneville, Tenn.
While the publication of “When You Become 18” involves more of the elbow grease typically associated with volunteer work, the Auxiliary’s fundraising efforts on behalf of Chambliss Shelter lean more toward the social end of the spectrum. Von Kessler is especially fond of the penny auctions.
“They take place at someone’s home, and everyone brings something. It can be a Christmas present you don’t want or something nice someone has donated to the auction. One person even brings these amazing coconut macaroons. Then we have a volunteer auctioneer, usually an attorney,” she says.
Von Kessler says the idea behind the penny auction is to “dig down deep and find your pennies.” The event is open to everyone and proceeds are donated to Chambliss Shelter.
“We put a lot of volunteer hours into setting up these events,” says Von Kessler. “We have an executive board with a vice-president, a treasurer and a secretary, and we all work to make sure everything comes together like it should.”
Katie Harbison, director of development at Chambliss Shelter, says the organization is grateful for the Auxiliary’s support. “We appreciate all the hours of work Auxiliary members put into their support of Chambliss Shelter. They’re a wonderful group of women and we’re honored to be partners with them in caring for this community’s children.”
The Auxiliary began its association with Chambliss Shelter in 1977 after Juvenile Court Judge Dixie Smith praised the organization’s work in caring for abused and neglected children in Chattanooga. Initially, the Auxiliary’s work with Chambliss Shelter consisted of a few volunteers visiting the home once a week.
In the early ‘80s, with the help of volunteers from the Junior League of Chattanooga, training from Siskin Rehabilitation Hospital and money from The Lupton Fund, the Auxiliary expanded its efforts to include an enrichment program held several mornings per week for school age children living at home.
The Auxiliary plans its calendar one year in advance, so Von Kessler says to watch for its quarterly newsletter for announcements on all events.
Von Kessler follows Renee MacCoon as president. She and her husband, a trial attorney, moved to Chattanooga from Memphis in September 2001 on a whim. “We came here to visit friends from law school in March 2001 and went back thinking it was a great little town with excellent public elementary schools. There are a lot of differences between East and West Tennessee, but we like it here,” she says.
After settling in, Von Kessler joined the Auxiliary to connect with people she and her husband knew from college. “It’s one of my favorite groups to be in because it brings together people from all over Chattanooga,” she says. “Plus, there’s no pressure, as it’s more of a social gathering than anything else. We meet in restaurants and each other’s homes. I enjoy seeing the people I’ve gotten to know.”
The Auxiliary’s laid-back approach works well for Von Kessler, whose job as director of development at Hunter Museum keeps her busy. At work, she oversees membership, sponsorship, grant writing and fundraising; as president of the Auxiliary, she manages the calendar and works with the board, leaving time for family and leisure activities.
Although the Auxiliary
calendar shows no events for this summer, the organization does have activities planned for the fall, including the Book 18 luncheon and work meeting on September 17 and a wine tasting in October.
The Auxiliary claims 150 members, although Von Kessler says there’s room for more. While a few men have joined the organization, most of its members are women. In addition, all ages are represented.
CBAA membership is open to spouses of lawyers, judges and paralegals who practice in Hamilton County and are members of the CBA. To inquire about joining call Jane Mitchell at 423-265-2955 or e-mail janekimball@hotmail.com.
To make a donation to help with future publications of “When You Become 18,” send a check to: CBA Auxiliary, Attn: “When You Become 18” Booklet, P. O. Box 4225, Chattanooga, TN 37405.
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