The Justice & Diversity Center’s (JDC) annual Gala, now in its 16th year, has always been an elegant affair—an opportunity for the San Francisco legal community to gather and celebrate the collective impact of more than 1,500 volunteer and staff attorneys who provide legal services, advocacy, and support that more than 9,000 people in San Francisco rely on each year. At the annual Gala, we celebrate a student from our Bay Area Minority Law Student Scholarship program and feature one of our legal services clients. Both bring to life the importance of our work and services.

In the midst of an unprecedented year, JDC is excited to announce that the annual Gala will take place virtually, on September 16. “We need to take the time to celebrate the impact of the attorneys who fight tirelessly for clients facing eviction and homelessness, to protect the due process rights of immigrants facing deportation, and domestic violence survivors,” says Shuwaski Young, JDC’s Development and Community Engagement Director. “We’re proud of the incredible accomplishments and outcomes achieved for clients each day, especially considering the additional, compounding challenges brought on by COVID-19.” The need for services has increased since the start of the pandemic and the need to shelter-in-place.

Leading up to the event, a series of fireside chats featuring bar leaders, including past presidents, will tackle topics of local urgency, including how the legal community can bring relief to San Franciscans who are experiencing inequity, poverty, and homelessness. The first Fireside Chat is scheduled to take place during the first week of September.

The virtual Gala on September 16 will focus on celebrating JDC’s client and student stories. The evening will feature musical performances and guests, a mixologist, and more. “Our staff is working very hard to produce an experience that will be elegant, exciting, entertaining, and engaging to our supporter community. See you there,” adds Young.

The event will allow guests to relax and unwind while also reflecting on all they have helped JDC accomplish. We hope to inspire guests to continue to join forces for justice.

A live DJ session will close out the evening.

Learn more at www.sfbar.org/gala. If you would like to support the event and confirm your sponsorship, please reach out to Shuwaski Young at syoung@sfbar.org or (415) 782-8917.

Thank you for helping us to continue changing lives for people who are facing more challenges now than ever. We can’t wait to see you there!