Jones Walker proudly supports more than 150 civic and charitable organizations. We frequently sponsor events and programs that benefit the youth and families in our areas. Our attorneys are personally involved with a number of these local organizations and charities, and are often recognized for their outreach efforts and community leadership. Additionally, our support staff members also take part in a variety of events to benefit the community, such as clothing drives and fundraisers.
The firm's associations with civic and charitable organizations, however, represent only a snapshot of our community involvement. Jones Walker's attorneys participate in pro bono work and Bar Association service on a regular basis.
Jones Walker is committed to helping rebuild our communities in the Gulf South region, and we are proud to be a part of new growth and revitalization efforts. Our communities are truly something we take to heart.
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
On May 19, 2007, Jones Walker participated in the Cystic Fibrosis Fundraising Walk to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Attorneys, staff, and family members raised more than $2,400 in support of this great cause. The mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, a non-profit, donor supported organization, is to assure the development of the means to cure and control Cystic Fibrosis and to improve the quality of life for those with the disease. Jones Walker also supports this cause in the memory of our former partner Mike Herbert, whose son has Cystic Fibrosis.
United Way
Jones Walker is a longtime sponsor of several chapters of the United Way, including Capital Area United Way and United Way for the Greater New Orleans Area. Over the past several years, Jones Walker has participated in United Way fundraising campaigns on a firmwide basis. Past fundraising methods and activities have included silent auctions, individual donations, fundraising competitions among attorneys and staff, and raffles. Unique events to spur donations included a Blue Jean Dress Down Day, where Jones Walker personnel donated five dollars to the United Way and were allowed to wear jeans to the office. Additionally, many Jones Walker attorneys are deeply committed to the United Way, having served in leadership and fundraising positions.
Junior Achievement
In June 2007, 22 volunteers from Jones Walker, including partners, associates, secretaries, paralegals, and other staff, volunteered their time with Junior Achievement New Orleans. Jones Walker partner Dionne Rousseau, who is also a Junior Achievement board member, helped organize volunteers and coordinate the firm's involvement with Junior Achievement.
Volunteers worked with students at Albert Wicker Elementary School and were provided training and teaching packets from Junior Achievement to prepare lesson plans. Jones Walker's volunteers educated on several subjects, including different jobs in the community, how an assembly line works, how money circulates around a community, and how taxes help pay for government services. Each class was taught lessons from a grade-specific curriculum, and volunteers worked with students ranging from second grade to sixth grade. At the end of the program, Jones Walker distributed certificates of achievement and provided cookie cake and apple juice for a graduation celebration.
United WAG, Inc.
Special counsel Yvonne Grassie founded United WAG, Inc. in 2005 in response to high levels of animal abuse and abandonment in South Florida. The charitable organization is dedicated to improving the welfare of animals in Miami-Dade County through education, advocacy, and coordination of community efforts.
United WAG has developed comprehensive humane education lesson plans for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. These lesson plans were implemented through the character education curriculum at all Miami-Dade County public elementary schools in January 2007. United WAG is currently developing a similar curriculum for middle school students to be implemented during the 2007–2008 academic year.
United WAG has also been working with Animal Services of Miami-Dade County, other community animal welfare groups, and the County Attorney's Office to revise and update the existing animal welfare laws, rules, and regulations in Miami-Dade County. The revised codes will be finalized and presented to the Miami-Dade County Commission for approval. In addition, United WAG is spearheading a joint venture with Animal Services, using the Animal Service Mobile Animal Clinic, to provide free spay and neuter services to pet owners in low-income neighborhoods in Miami-Dade County. Grassie serves as President and Chairman of the Board.
Notable Newsbytes
April 4, 2008
