Barrister Ball Proceeds Donated
Jennifer Hill, third year law student and 2001 chair of the Barrister's Ball and Charity Auction, presented donations in the name of Washburn Student Bar Association (WSBA) to the Topeka Battered Women's Task Force and the Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund on Wednesday, November 13, 2002 in the Robinson Courtroom and Bianchino Technology Center at Washburn University School of Law.
The Topeka Battered Women's Task Force is a shelter that helps to house and counsel women escaping domestic violence. Task Force Director Lisa Hecht accepted the donation, observing
"Your gift makes it possible to help women and children caught up in the horrible cycle of domestic and sexual violence. With all the worthwhile agencies in Topeka, the fact that you chose us is a wonderful reminder to my staff of all the people in our community who support our goal and mission of eradicating violence. Please know we will use your gift judiciously and with gratitude."
The Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund provides educational assistance to families of victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The Fund seeks to raise money to provide educational assistance to families of victims of the September 11th terrorist attacks. These scholarships may be used at an accredited two or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school based in the United States. Ms. Hill noted that while "No price can be put on losing a parent or spouse to violence, hopefully the Washburn Law students' donation will help families of the victims move forward with their educations."
Each fall, Washburn University School of Law holds an event known as the Barrister's Ball and Charity Auction. Law students volunteer to solicit professors, staff, and local merchants for donations that will be used as auction items to raise money for charitable concerns. The volunteers also organize a semi-formal ball, which includes food, music, dancing, and a live auction. During the week prior to the ball, students, professors and staff are encouraged to participate in a silent auction. This silent auction continues throughout dinner at the Barrister's Ball. Following dinner, two professors don their auctioneer hats and try to raise the bids of the most popular items through a live auction.
Thanks are extended to the group of volunteers who helped to make the Barrister's Ball and Charity Auction a success, as well as to professors and staff, area merchants, and other legal groups.
Story based on remarks by Jennifer Hill at presentation ceremony.
