The Pro Bono Project has made the difficult decision to cancel our annual fundraiser, the Justice For All Ball, previously scheduled for Friday, September 17, 2021. This was not an easy decision as our supporters have been looking forward to an in-person event since last fall. However, our Board of Directors and staff know this is the right decision to make given the ongoing public health impact of the pandemic. The safety of our attendees and the community is our priority.
For thirty-three years the Justice For All Ball has been the premier social event in the legal community, drawing hundreds of lawyers, judges, and private citizens together for an evening of fine food, spirits, and live music. It is a celebration of what makes our community strong and unique – our creativity, civic pride, and resilience.
The Justice For All Ball is The Pro Bono Project’s major fundraiser and provides a critical source of revenue for our organization. Our mission is more important than ever in the wake of the pandemic’s economic impact on our community’s most vulnerable neighbors. We continue to accept applications for legal services in the areas of family law, consumer rights and bankruptcy, wills and estate planning, and other general civil legal issues. In response to the pandemic, The Project developed an expansive bilingual COVID-19 resource page, a self-help desk hotline for self-represented litigants to call and email, a bankruptcy self-help resource center, and online webinars and tutorials for clients and volunteers.
Although we will not have the opportunity to celebrate together in-person at Mardi Gras World this year, The Pro Bono Project will host a virtual campaign this fall. Highlighting the role of our volunteers, donors, and clients, this campaign will feature a silent auction, food and cocktail recipes from your Justice For All Ball favorites, and much more! Additional details forthcoming.
If you purchased tickets or a sponsorship for this year’s event, we will be reaching out to you this week.
In this period of tremendous need, The Pro Bono Project asks that you consider donating your time, talent, or resources. From raising awareness and promoting our services to volunteering or pledging your support, please join us in our efforts to ensure equal access to justice.