Pro Bono and Diversity Programs Celebrated at the 2008 Breakfast With Champions

By Marzette Mondin

King County Bar Foundation held its 8th annual fundraiser, the Breakfast With Champions on Monday, April 14th at the Westin Hotel in downtown Seattle. The event attracted 1,000 guests and raised over $300,000 in sponsorships, cash, and pledges. Proceeds from the Breakfast support the Foundation’s pro bono civil legal aid and diversity programs.

The fast paced Breakfast program filled with recognitions and an inspiring keynote was emceed by Peter Ehrlichman. Foundation President Colleen Kinerk and King County Bar Association President Eileen Concannon welcomed and thanked guests for attending the Foundation’s major fundraising event of the year. American Bar Association President William Neukom also addressed the crowd.

Scott Turow, best-selling author and attorney, delivered the keynote address. Mr. Turow has written eight fiction and two non-fiction books, which have been translated into over 20 languages and have sold over 25 million copies. Mr. Turow devotes a substantial part of his time to pro bono matters and stated that the proudest moment of his career involved a pro bono case where he represented Alejeandro Hernandez in a successful appeal that preceded Hernandez’s release after nearly twelve years in prison – including five on death row – for a murder he did not commit. Scott Turow also applauded the Breakfast guests for their dedication to supporting pro bono service.

The King County Bar Foundation’s Minority Law Student Scholarship program was highlighted in this year’s program. Dean Kellye Testy of Seattle University School of Law and third year law student, Patrice Kent of the University of Washington remarked on the impact that the Foundation’s scholarships make on the local legal community. Every year, the Foundation grants funds to the University of Washington and Seattle University for minority law student scholarships. Over 500 students have benefited from the program and more than 50% of these students practice in the King County area.

During a special portion of the program, Foundation trustees Susan Mask and Paul Mutty encouraged guests to make donations in support of the Foundation’s pro bono legal services and diversity initiatives. Last year, ever dollar received by the Foundation resulted in $8.07 in legal services or helped leverage an education for a minority law school student.

The Foundation would like to thank the members of the Breakfast With Champions Planning Committee, Peter Ehrlichman (Chair), Hon. Sharon Armstrong, Kate Battuello, Charlie Burdell, Susan Mask, and Megan Wells for their time and dedication to organize this event. The Foundation would also like to thank its sponsors, table captains, guests, trustees, staff and volunteers for making the 2008 Breakfast With Champions such a successful affair. For more information about King County Bar Foundation and the programs it funds, please visit www.kcbf.org or contact the Foundation at 206-267-7007.