Boston’s Leading Non-Profit Organization Providing Free Legal Assistance to Low-Income Veterans Celebrates a Successful 2016 and a Look into the Year Ahead
Veterans Legal Services, the primary provider of free legal services to low-income military veterans in the Greater Boston area, announces the 26th anniversary of its annual gala set for Tuesday, September 19, 2017 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at The Fairmont Copley Plaza.
The goal of the gala is to raise additional awareness and funding for Veterans Legal Services, and to celebrate the accomplishments of its staff, board of directors, committees, and volunteers throughout the previous year, including the growth of the volunteer attorney panel to over 175 attorneys, and the addition of new board members Jacqueline Fearer, Daniel LaPenta, Judge James McHugh, III (ret.), and Robin Azar Orazem. Veterans Legal Services was also awarded a major endowment grant of $250,000 from the Colonel Ruby W. and Lavon P. Linn Foundation. Last year’s annual gala brought in a record $310,000 in support of Veterans Legal Services. The 2016 Robert Kraft Firm Challenge was a huge success as 11 of Boston’s top law firms raised over $31,000 with 155 contributions. The most recent fiscal year saw Veterans Legal Services’ budget expand to approximately $665,000 to provide over $2 million in legal services on over 500 veterans’ cases.
“It’s an exciting time for Veterans Legal Services. We continue to build resources and deepen community connections to better respond to the needs of our veterans. Boston is a community that cares and we are grateful to all those who rise up with us to ensure our veterans receive the professional services they need,” said Sarah Roxburgh, Co-Executive Director at Veterans Legal Services. “With the recognition the organization is getting, more and more veterans are reaching out to us. The success of the gala helps make sure we have the resources to serve these veterans.”
This year’s gala will feature a silent and live auctions, complimentary hors d’oeuvres and beverages, as well as live entertainment. Wardrobe is black-tie optional and service uniforms from members of the military are encouraged.
Veterans Legal Services provides on-site legal services in the community, reaching veterans most in need. They collaborate with shelter staff, social workers and other professionals to provide veterans with comprehensive services tailored to their individual needs. The organization also refers cases to its panel of pro bono attorneys.
Veterans Legal Services will honor Sam Kennedy, President, Boston Red Sox with the Distinguished Service Award. The award is presented annually to an individual in recognition of his or her extraordinary, impactful community contributions. Past recipients include Stephen Pagliuca, Co-Owner of the Boston Celtics and Managing Director of Bain Capital; Michael B. Keating of Foley Hoag, LLP and Former Chair of the Board of The Boston Foundation; and the former Attorney General Scott Harshbarger.
Sam Kennedy is the President of the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball. A native of Brookline, MA who grew up within walking distance of Fenway Park, Kennedy helped create Fenway Sports Management in 2004 and oversees all aspects of the operations featuring a client roster that includes the Red Sox, Liverpool Football Club, NESN, RFR, Boston College, MLB Advanced Media, the Deutsche Bank Championship, and NBA star LeBron James. One of Kennedy’s proudest accomplishments is the wide range of fans that have experienced Fenway Park’s charm due to the growth of entertainment offerings at the ballpark including concerts, ice hockey games, and soccer matches. In 2007, Kennedy was named to Boston Business Journal’s 40 under 40, which recognizes 40 of Boston’s best and brightest young professionals. In addition, Kennedy was selected as one of Sports Business Journal’s Forty under 40 Award recipients in 2008, 2010, and 2013, and was inducted into the publication’s Hall of Fame. Kennedy currently serves on the board of the Wellesley Youth Hockey Association and The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce.
Quincy Miller, President of Eastern Bank will also be honored with the Corporate Champion Award. The Corporate Champion Award is presented to an individual in recognition of his or her leadership of a business that has demonstrated exceptional corporate citizenship with its commitment to doing good in the community. By providing financial support and championing organizations that provide services to historically-marginalized communities, Eastern Bank helps ensure the health and vitality of the communities it serves. In 2014, Eastern Bank was recognized as a “Leader in Diversity” by The Boston Business Journal, and was named one of the “Top Places to Work” in Massachusetts in 2016 by The Boston Globe for the ninth consecutive year.
In addition, Veterans Legal Services will honor Will Hatley of Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital (Bedford VA) with the Outstanding Advocate Award. For the past five years, Hatley has worked as an employment and vocational rehabilitation specialist who helps displaced veterans find jobs by matching their skill sets with prospective employers. He also counsels them to help them manage their Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and other mental, social and economic problems they experience. Hatley served in the U.S. Navy on active duty for two years and in the Navy Reserves for 13 years. He continues to share his inspirational story of overcoming homelessness and alcohol and drug addiction with fellow veterans and advocates the path of recovery to veterans by getting the help they need at the Bedford VA.
For more information about gala tickets and sponsorship opportunities, please call 857-317-4474 or visit www.veteranslegalservices.org.
About Veterans Legal Services:
Veterans Legal Services (VLS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization offering free legal services to low-income veterans in the Boston area. VLS removes legal barriers for veterans, allowing them to transition to stable housing, economic security, and healthy family relationships. By locating legal clinics at community sites, VLS reaches veterans who would likely otherwise go without the help they need. VLS services over 500 veterans’ cases per year at the New England Center & Home for Veterans, the Chelsea Soldiers’ Home, Massachusetts Stand Down for Veterans, the Bedford VA Medical Center, the Norfolk Veterans Treatment Court, and other community events for veterans and deploying and returning troops. For more information, please visit www.veteranslegalservices.org.
