Become an Illinois Bar Foundation Champion

Dear Future Champions,

At least twice a year at ISBA Annual and Midyear Meetings, we are pitched by colleagues and the Illinois Bar Foundation to become a “Champion.” But what is a Champion really, and what’s in it for us?

A champion, by definition, is a person who fights or argues for a cause or on behalf of someone else. As lawyers, we have the unique opportunity to make a positive impact on society by upholding justice and advocating for those in need. We have the power to shape laws, defend the innocent, and ensure fair resolution of disputes. By definition, we are champions, for our clients, our legal system and for our communities, but through the statewide reach of the Illinois Bar Foundation, we have the opportunity to increase our impact even more.

The Champions of the Illinois Bar Foundation were established more than 40 years ago and are comprised of a distinguished group of attorney and non-attorney Foundation supporters who believe in the value of justice and philanthropy. By committing to a pledge payable over ten years, Champions help create sustainable long-term funding support for more than 50,000 individuals and their families each year statewide. These funds make a direct difference for our colleagues and their families when they struggle with life-changing illness or injury through the support of the IBF’s Warren Lupel Lawyers Care Fund, or when our neighbors seek low or no-cost legal aid services to help them stay in their homes, obtain guardianship of a loved one or an order of protection from an abuser, or better understand their rights and responsibilities as workers and citizens in Illinois.

Champions pledges:

• Start as low as $100 per year, or less than $9 per month
• Are 100% tax deductible
• Can be paid for with your ISBA Meeting reimbursement
• Can be restricted to an appellate district of your choice to help support your neighbors in need.

Champions receive:

• Special recognition at ISBA Annual & Midyear Meetings
• Champions badges that can be displayed on your website or email signature
• Recognition on the IBF website, social media and publications such as the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, Illinois Lawyer Now, and the Illinois Bar Journal.

So while you may already be a champion in your profession, join me in helping to make Illinois an even better place by becoming a Champion of the Illinois Bar Foundation today. Secure your pledge online or contact Jessie Reeves. 

Sincerely,

Jessica Durkin                                                                 
Champions Chair
Illinois Bar Foundation