This week’s P.S. column features background information on two fundraising events on June 13: a luncheon event that raises scholarship funds for Texas Hispanic students interested in a career in the law and an evening event to celebrate Pride Month and raise scholarship funds for LGBTQ+ law students.
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— On June 13, the Dallas Hispanic Law Foundation will host its annual Amanecer luncheon, which will honor its 2024 scholarship, internship and bar study grant recipients furthering the organization’s mission to advance Hispanics in the legal community. Every year, DHLF raises funds to provide scholarships, stipend-paid judicial internships and bar study grants to Hispanic students interested in the law.
Last year DHLF’s fundraising goal was $80,000 and the 2023 Amanecer event ended up raising $100,625. This year, DHLF seeks to raise $115,000. Part of this year’s success so far, fundraising co-VP Omar Alaniz said, is tied to a couple of new sponsors (Toyota and Paul Hastings), an increased pledge amount by Sidley Austin, and Lynn Pinker Hurst & Schwegmann raising its hand to pledge to a new sponsorship level created by DHLF for $10,000. As presenting sponsor, Lynn Pinker’s pledge is expected to increase the number of scholarships that DHLF is able to award to students in the coming year.
Attendees of the luncheon have the opportunity to network with leading legal professionals, advocates for diversity in the law and the students who are the future of the legal profession.
Other top 2024 sponsors at the gold level ($5,000) include Vista Corp., Baker McKenzie, Vinson & Elkins, Paul Hastings, Gibson Dunn, AT&T, Holland & Knight and Sidley.
Silver sponsors ($2,500) include Jones Day, Reed Smith, Akerman, Baker Botts, Greenberg Traurig, Jackson Walker, Kirkland & Ellis, Yum! Brands, Chris Luna, Bell Nunnally, Weil, Haynes Boone, Foley, Fluor, Toyota, O’Melveny & Myers and the Law Office of Domingo Garcia.
Bronze sponsors ($1,500) include Norton Rose Fulbright, Texas A&M University School of Law, SMU Dedman School of Law, McKool Smith, K&L Gates, Southwest Airlines, Alston & Bird, Linebarger Goggan Blair & Simpson, Dallas Bar Association, Jackson Lewis, Ogletree Deakins, Akin, ACC — Dallas Fort Worth and Barnes & Thornburg.
The lone small firm sponsor so far ($500) is Lira Bravo Law, while public official sponsors ($250) include Dallas County civil district judges Martin Hoffman, Dale Tillery, Tonya Parker and Eric Moyé.
Additional donations at this point can be used as a credit for 2025 pledges if DHLF is unable to recognize a late sponsor for this year’s luncheon. Anyone who would still like to give can do so at this link.
When: Thursday, June 13, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Arts District Mansion (2101 Ross Ave., Dallas)
Keynote: In a fireside chat format, Dallas City Council member Jaime Resendez will be interviewed by Chris Luna, a longtime supporter (and past president) of DHLF who recently became CEO and president of SPCA of Texas.
Individual ticket cost: $125
— Also on June 13, the Dallas LGBT Bar Association will host its annual Let’s Get Proud, a pride celebration and scholarship fundraiser rolled into one event at the XOXO Dining Room Garden. It will feature a live show, cocktails and food stations, and celebrates members of the legal community showing up as their most authentic selves. Proceeds from the event will support the Dallas LGBT Bar Scholarship Fund, which benefits LGBT+ law students. The scholarships will be awarded at the organization’s annual Visibility Ball gala on Nov. 9 at the Virgin Hotel Dallas.
Dykema is serving as presenting sponsor for donating $5,500. Sponsorship levels still available include rainbow ($3,500), diamond ($1,500), gold ($500), silver ($350) and ally ($250). For more information on what each sponsorship level gets you, click here.
When: Thursday, June 13 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: XOXO Dining Room (3121 Ross Ave., Dallas) in the Garden Room
How to sponsor: Email info@dallaslgbtbar.org
To purchase tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lets-get-proud-2024-pride-celebration-scholarship-fundraiser-tickets-893754593047