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ILCM's 2010 Gala
was a great success!
Over 400 people came to the Landmark
Center in downtown St. Paul, to celebrate our mission and to eat, drink, bid on
one of over 100 live and silent auction items, mingle and dance. Thanks to generous
support-especially that of our 39 sponsors-we met our
fundraising goal of $35,000. Find photos of the event on photo
page.
We were also proud to honor individuals
and organizations with awards that evening. Avera Transplant Institute of Sioux
Falls, S.D. received the State Advocate of the Year award and SEIU Local 26 was
honored as the National Advocate of the Year. Attorney Jennifer Kowski-Dahlberg
received the Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year and Latham & Watkins the Pro Bono
Law Firm of the Year. The Volunteer of the Year award went to law student Graham
Ojala Barbour. And former client Anwar Ibrahim was honored with the Inspiration
award. Read more about the story behind each honor.
Former Immigration Judge, and current
ILCM pro bon attorney, Joseph Dierkes reminded the audience of the prescient remarks
of David McCullough, winner of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. "When the
writer was asked what makes America unique he replied that as a nation we ask
large numbers of people to come to this country and 'become one of us,' and that
they become Americans in every sense of the word…" said the Judge. "I
felt very lucky to be able to swear people in as citizens and to see the sense
of accomplishment and joy on their faces." Guests pledged their support for
our citizenship work with a donation, and
you can, too.
We are so grateful to everyone who
attended and volunteered. Planning for the Spring 2011 Gala will soon be underway.
Contact us, if you'd like to be part
of the planning process.
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