2024 Champions for Justice Donor Appreciation Event Recap and Photos
Reflecting on a night of gratitude and celebration at our annual Champions for Justice Donor Appreciation Event! On November 20th, we came together at The Tampa Club to celebrate the incredible contributions that fueled our mission in 2024.
Hosted by Bob Thompson, the evening’ recognized Commander Dennis O. Baker (2024 Gen. James B. Peake Award recipient), Kathleen S. McLeroy (2024 Judge Don Castor Award recipient), and Hill Ward Henderson (2024 Richard C. Woltmann Group Advocacy Award recipient).
Pictures by Mike Ossola Photography.
Honoring Commander Dennis Baker, Kathleen McLeroy & Hill Ward Henderson
Commander Dennis O. Baker (left), and Michael A. Bedke (right).
The Lt. General James B. Peake Award
Commander Dennis O. Baker - U.S. Navy was presented with the Lt. General James B. Peake Award by Michael A. Bedke. Commander Baker is a leader in veteran advocacy, bringing essential resources and securing critical grants to support Florida's veterans. He has connected Bay Area Legal Services with numerous public officials and leaders committed to helping veterans, building awareness and support for the Florida Veterans Legal Helpline. Commander Baker’s impactful service and collaborative spirit make him a well-deserved inductee into the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame.
The Judge Don Castor Award
Kathleen S. McLeroy, Shareholder at Carlton Fields, was presented the Judge Don Castor Award by Gwynne A. Young (Carlton Fields). Kathy is a litigator, mediator, and arbitrator dedicated to resolving complex commercial disputes. Beyond her legal practice, she has led significant philanthropic and pro bono efforts, in addition to serving two terms as Chairperson of Bay Area Legal’s Board of Directors, driving key local and statewide funding initiatives. This year, Kathy has helped lead an initiative at her firm to raise $50,000 toward Bay Area Legal's new Richard C. Woltmann Endowment. Her work reflects a deep commitment to justice, leaving a lasting impact on both her clients and community.
Kathleen S. McLeroy (left), and Gwynne A. Young (right).
Ben H. Hill III accepts the Richad C. Woltmann Group Advocacy Award on behalf of Hill Ward Henderson.
The Richard C. Woltmann Group Advocacy Award
Hill Ward Henderson was the first-ever recipient of the Richard C. Woltmann Group Advocacy Award. Ben H. Hill III accepted the award on behalf of the firm, presented by Bay Area Legal Board of Directors Chairperson, Vivan Cortes-Hodz. Hill Ward Henderson has been a cornerstone of support for our mission, leading pro bono initiatives and championing philanthropy as a founding Sustaining Law Firm. The firm has provided invaluable guidance, with several attorneys serving in volunteer leadership roles on our Board of Directors and Development Council, including Tori Simmons (Immediate Past Chair), Ben Hill III (Development Council), and the late David Knight (Board and Development Council).
Introducing: The Pathways to Justice Campaign
The Pathways to Justice Campaign is Bay Area Legal’s new annual effort to raise critical funds from members of the corporate and legal communities. Through the campaign, we will create pathways to safety, security, and health for low-income community members.
Pledge your campaign support for 3 years and receive permanent recognition with a customized brick on the 'Pathways to Justice' brick pathway installation at our St. Petersburg office.
Watch the Video
Carlton Fields Surpasses $50k Fundraising Goal
In September 2024, Carlton Fields celebrated Dick Woltmann’s 40 years of leadership with a $25,000 contribution to the Richard C. Woltmann Endowment, setting a goal to raise an additional $25,000 through contributions from the firm’s shareholders and of counsel attorneys. At this year’s event, Jason Quintero (Carlton Fields' Tampa Managing Attorney) announced the exciting news that they not only met but exceeded their $50,000 goal! Thank you, Carlton Fields, for your outstanding support of our mission.
Bay Area Legal Services is proud to share that we also have surpassed the ambitious $250,000 fundraising goal set in November 2023 to support the Woltmann Endowment. Thank you to everyone who contributed to honoring Dick Woltmann’s extraordinary legacy.
Thank You to Our Generous Event Sponsors:
Champion for Justice Title Sponsor
Partner in Justice Sponsors
Friend in Justice Sponsors
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