Through several fundraising events in 2019, the JSH Charity Committee is pleased to announce that it raised more than $22,000 to sustain its philanthropic endeavors. JSH lawyers and staff generously supported the Committee’s efforts through in-house events and activities, including a Silent Auction, Back-to-School Drive and Gift Card Raffle. Committee members include: Jennifer Bernardo (legal secretary), Ruby Castro (hospitality clerk), Maddy Garcia (legal support clerk), Mike Hensley (partner), Kelli Huddleston (legal secretary), Lina Lujan (legal support coordinator), Joseph Popolizio (partner), and Lori Voepel (partner).
In time for Christmas, the Committee delivered care packages to A New Leaf’s La Mesita. To help alleviate the burden of purchasing home essentials, the Committee created care packages for each family transitioning from the emergency shelter to La Mesita. The care packages included a vacuum, coffee maker, dish set, silverware, pots and pans, cooking utensils, bedding, hair dryer, shower curtain, toolkit, gift card to a big box store, and other essentials. The Committee also gifted the shelter with grocery store gift cards to aid families in emergency situations. After delivering the care packages, the Committee toured the campus with A New Leaf’s CEO, Chief Philanthropy Officer, Director of Individual Giving, and Volunteer Engagement Manager.
Also in December, the Committee engaged Santa for a special visit to Mitchell Elementary School in south west Phoenix. JSH associate Ian Beck served as Santa, and delivered wrapped gifts and candy canes to each of the 500 students. He posed for photos and discussed his naughty and nice list with each student. Santa was rewarded with hundreds of high-fives, handshakes and hugs, as well as letters of gratitude from the students.
In November, the Committee hosted its week-long Silent Auction fundraiser, featuring items donated from the firm’s vendors and staff. Thanks to the generosity of these amazing companies, the Auction raised more than $4,000 to support the Committee’s holiday giving programs.
During the Silent Auction, JSH staff voted with their wallets and selected associate Derek Graffious to serve as the Attorney Elf at the firm’s Holiday Party. Derek was tasked with dressing in a funny holiday costume and providing entertainment during the party. Due to his campaigning, Derek helped raise almost $1,000!
Earlier in the year, the Committee partnered with Hines Property Management to host a back-to-school gift card raffle. Hines generously donated a $350 Visa gift card as the grand prize, and the Arizona Diamondbacks donated game tickets as runner-up prizes. With the funds raised, the Committee purchased hundreds of back-to-school necessities for the students at Mitchell, including uniform pants, shorts and shirts, as well as shoes, socks, undergarments, backpacks and personal care items.
A long-time staff favorite, the Committee sold Jeans Coupons to JSH lawyers to give to the firm’s 110 support staffers. These coupons enable staff to wear jeans an additional day each month. Thanks to the overwhelming support of this fundraiser, the Committee was able to purchase jackets and sweatshirts for Mitchell students to have in time for cooler weather.
The JSH Charity Committee is proud to work with these and other worthy organizations. Recipients of the Committee’s philanthropic efforts are identified through referrals from JSH lawyers, based on their involvement and support of the organizations. We look forward to continuing our efforts in 2020 and beyond.
About A New Leaf and La Mesita Apartments
A New Leaf serves more than 26,000 individuals annually through affordable housing solutions, youth services, foster care, counseling, financial literacy and workforce support. La Mesita Apartments provide safe, long-term housing for families at or below 60% of the median income, with half the units dedicated to veterans and those transitioning from homelessness. Learn more at turnanewleaf.org.
