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By Michele Lorbieski, Lewis Wagner LLP; Michael McBride, Cohen & Malad LLP
As we launch into the New Year, the Indianapolis Bar Foundation is taking time to look back at all the achievements reached in 2024, as well as looking forward to big plans and events scheduled for 2025. For over 55 years, the foundation has served as the charitable arm of the Indianapolis Bar Association, raising money and providing a platform for attorneys to donate their time to support Central Indiana communities and families of limited means with legal problems, as well as law students, solo practitioners, young lawyers and other members of our legal community. The IndyBar Foundation sincerely thanks all of those who donated their time and money last year to supporting the foundation’s mission “to advance justice and lead positive change in Indianapolis through philanthropy, education and service.”
Due to the generosity of donors in 2024, the IndyBar Foundation was able to raise nearly $490,000, advancing its philanthropic efforts, while also having fun along the way! From the bi-annual Talent Show to the regularly held Lawyer Links Classic and Gala, the foundation hosted amazing fundraising events where attorneys were able to laugh and have fun together without the everyday stress of the profession. In 2024, the Foundation awarded its annual Community Empowerment Grant of $35,000 to Indiana Legal Services for their “Keeping Wealth In Our Communities Project” focusing on keeping wealth in low-income communities by facilitating real property transfers through education, collaboration, and direct service to clients. The foundation also raised an impressive, milestone amount of more than $72,000 during the annual Day of Giving. As current chairs of the IndyBar Foundation’s Visibility Committee, we would like to extend our sincerest thanks to all of our supporters in 2024.
The foundation’s outlook and plans for 2025 are as great as ever! While other fundraising opportunities are sure to be added along the way, we hope everyone will consider joining us and supporting the Foundation’s calendar of events that are currently scheduled for 2025:
- Trivia Night in the Spring – April 10
- Block Party – May 22
- Foundation Event at the Bench Bar Conference – June 19-21
- Lawyer Links Classic at the Golf Club of Indianapolis – July 31
- IndyBar’s Giving Silent Auction – August 18-22 (auction closes during Gala)
- Annual Gala Event – August 22
- Day of Giving/Community Empowerment Breakfast – September 30
- Trivia Night in the Fall – November 5
Please be sure to watch for additional announcements and information regarding the Foundation’s events in 2025 on all Indianapolis Bar Association and Foundation social media platforms as well as the Foundation’s newly launched website: https://www.indybarfoundation.org/. Without the help and support of our legal community and friends, the Indianapolis Bar Foundation would be unable to continue its ongoing grants and programs aimed at providing a positive impact on the Central Indiana community. Cheers to a great 2024 and looking forward to an amazing 2025!•
Michele Lorbieski is a partner with Lewis Wagner LLP. She is a seasoned trial lawyer who represents individuals in probate litigation, trust litigation, guardianships, and small businesses in a variety of disputes. She is an active IndyBar member, Immediate Past Chair of the Estate Planning & Administration Section, and serves on the IndyBar Foundation Board of Directors as Co-Chair of the Visibility Committee.
Michael McBride is partner with Cohen & Malad LLP. He is Chair of the firm’s Business Services, Real Estate, and Business Litigation practice group. His litigation practice includes matters on the state, federal, and appellate level. He is an active member of IndyBar and serves on the IndyBar Foundation Board of Directors as Co-Chair of the Visibility Committee.
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