20th Annual For the Public Good Gala Raises $131,000 for legal aid programs in Broward County
The event also honored Belinda Keiser and Ed Zebersky
Belinda Keiser and Edward Zebersky were honored by the Legal Aid Service of Broward County and Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida for making “a tremendous difference to these organizations, the cause of equal justice, and the local community.”
More than 400 lawyers, judges, and members of the community joined Legal Aid Service of Broward County (LAS) and Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida (CCLA) to celebrate the past and look toward the future of the organizations during the 20th Annual For the Public Good Gala fundraiser.
The event raised more than $131,000 to ensure LAS and CCLA continue to provide free civil legal representation, advice, and education to more than 20,000 eligible clients in need. The event proceeds help to provide a voice and justice for children, seniors, veterans, homeless persons, persons living with HIV/AIDS, survivors of domestic violence and other crimes, families facing eviction, and unaccompanied immigrant minors in our communities, according to the legal aid organizations.
Belinda Keiser, vice chancellor of Community Relations and Student Advancement at Keiser University was presented with the Tony Karrat Excellence in Community Service Award. Edward Zebersky of Zebersky Payne Shaw Lewenz was presented with the Honorable Thomas Lynch Excellence in Justice Award.
“This event brought much deserved recognition to two outstanding community leaders, as well as the legal professionals and our honorable judges who together help advance essential programs and equal justice for underprivileged clients which ultimately impacts the entire local economy,” said Brent Thompson, executive director of Legal Aid Service of Broward County. “The video testimonials from clients that were shown during our event really educated guests just how impactful their contributions are.”
Attendees enjoyed an evening of networking, cocktails, and a seated dinner program emceed by NBC Miami’s Sheli Muniz.
“It was wonderful to celebrate the past 19 years of CCLA’s service, and we look forward to continuing to collaborate in our legal work to provide voices for under resourced populations for years to come,” said Lisa G. Goldberg, executive director for Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida. “Without people like our honorees Belinda and Ed, our many judges, and pro bono attorneys who have truly supported our organizations, we wouldn’t be able to continue to provide these critically needed resources to the community.”
The title sponsors for the event were Kelley Kronenberg and Justice for Kids.
