ReliaQuest Bowl Awards $25,000 to Bay Area Legal Services
Bay Area Legal Services has received a $25,000 charitable gift following a nomination from Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU) as part of the ReliaQuest Bowl’s Charitable Giving Initiative. The check was presented to Joan Boles, President & CEO, by Karen Koundourakis of LMCU during the ReliaQuest Bowl’s Contract Signing Party.
“We are so grateful to our friends at Lake Michigan Credit Union for nominating Bay Area Legal Services, and to the ReliaQuest Bowl for the incredible work that they do for the community,” said Boles.
“This funding is so important to us. It will preserve safe housing and keep families together, so thank you for giving the gift of justice.”
The ReliaQuest Bowl’s Charitable Giving Initiative supports nonprofit organizations throughout the Tampa Bay region, strengthening programs that make an impact on the lives of local residents. This year’s gift will help Bay Area Legal Services continue providing free civil legal assistance to individuals and families who otherwise could not afford it.
Funds from the award will support services that promote housing stability, family safety, and economic security, expanding access to legal assistance for those facing significant challenges.
We are thrilled to make an impact through the mission of Bay Area Legal Services. Their work as our region's nonprofit law firm is essential to ensuring stability, safety, and justice for families across our community.”
About ReliaQuest Bowl’s Charitable Giving Initiative
ReliaQuest Bowl Association began a Charitable Giving Initiative in 2016 to also provide funds each year to non-profit organizations either based, or with a large presence in, the Tampa Bay area. Since beginning this program just a few years ago the Bowl has already donated over $4.5 million to 210+ deserving charities and it is committed to contributing at least another $500,000 annually.
About Lake Michigan Credit Union
Lake Michigan Credit Union, established in 1933, is the largest credit union in Michigan and 13th largest in the country. Employing a staff of over 1,700 and serving more than 600,000 members, LMCU's assets exceed $14 billion, with over $18 billion in portfolio and serviced mortgages. LMCU has 73 convenient branch locations, including 21 across the Tampa Bay area and Southwest Florida. LMCU members have access to over 55,000 Allpoint ATMs worldwide. LMCU provides a full range of financial services, from high-interest-bearing checking accounts to personal loans, mortgages, business banking, investments, and insurance.
About Bay Area Legal Services
Bay Area Legal Services is a nonprofit law firm dedicated to providing free civil legal assistance to low-income individuals, families, and veterans in the Tampa Bay area and beyond. Through advocacy, education, and direct representation, the organization helps clients navigate issues such as housing, domestic violence, veterans’ benefits, and disaster relief, and more. Supported by grants, volunteers, and community partners, Bay Area Legal Services works to ensure equal access to justice, empowering those who might otherwise face legal challenges alone.
Apply for Services
Apply by phone Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., or apply online anytime for non-emergency legal matters. Language interpreters are available to you at no cost.
Bay Area Legal Services
If you live or have a case in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Manatee, or Sarasota counties, we may be able to help.
Statewide Legal Helplines
If you live or have a case in Florida, we may be able to help.