SOUTH FLORIDA LEGAL AND BUSINESS COMMUNITY HONORED AT “HEART OF GIVING CELEBRATION” – A SPECTACULAR EVENING OF ART & SOCIAL JUSTICE BENEFITTING LEGAL SERVICES OF GREATER MIAMI, INC.

On March 11, leaders of Miami’s top law firms and businesses were applauded for generously contributing their time and money to make sure that the poorest families and individuals in our community–those who have been disproportionately affected by the current economic downturn--have free legal help with critical legal problems they face when they lose jobs and housing and are denied access to healthcare.

Addressing the 300+ crowd of supporters gathered among the works of internationally famed artists, sculptors, and photographers at the Margulies Art WAREhOUSE, Channel 10's Senior Political Reporter Michael Putney raised his voice in praise of LSGMI and its 33 attorney staff for providing institutional help to “bend the arc of history toward justice” for people in need. “You have saved lives, saved families, saved hope,” said Putney. “We thank you. We support you. With the help of those here tonight LSGMI will survive and will thrive.”

Putney highlighted the case of Aliza, a young girl who after almost drowning at age 4 is now in a coma state, on a respirator and being fed through a tube. When the State tried to reduce Aliza’s in home nursing care, LSGMI stepped in and fought for her to get the 24/7 care she needed so that she could stay at home with her family. Aliza’s parents thanked LSGMI and “everybody here tonight for their help in supporting this law firm. It is because of you that they were able to help us and many other families in situations like ours.”

In thanking the “Together, We Must” Campaign Co-Chairs Eugene Stearns (Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson), Bob Parks (Law Office of Robert L. Parks), and Cori-Lopez Castro (Kozyak Tropin & Throckmorton) and the 40+ members of the Campaign Leadership Committee, LSGMI Board President Garrett J. Biondo proudly announced that the Campaign had raised over $775,000 in gifts and pledges towards its goal of $1 million.

Lopez-Castro thanked the local bar associations who partnered on the event, and urged those who had not yet pledged to join the Campaign and make a donation. “We as lawyers hold a special place in this community. We have the power to make a difference. We also have the opportunity to show our community that we have a passion to help. We have a heart. We have a soul.”

Distinguished featured speaker Chief Justice Peggy Quince echoed the praise for LSGMI and thanked everyone present for their overwhelming generosity especially in such difficult economic times. “What greater public good is there than to help those who truly do not otherwise have access to justice,” said Quince. “I encourage you to continue to give and to continue to work in your communities.”

Legal Services of Greater Miami, Inc. is the largest provider of broad-based civil legal services for the poor in Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties and is recognized in the state and nation as a model legal services program. Its diverse staff provides clients with legal services in three languages from regional and neighborhood offices throughout its service area.

LSGMI’s main office is located at 3000 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 500 (305-576-0080). LSGMI’s regional office located at 10720 Caribbean Blvd, Suite 400 serves South Dade (305-232-9680) and Monroe County (877-715-7464 Toll Free).