The 36th annual Public Interest Law Foundation (PILF) Celebration & Auction was held April 4, in the Corcoran Heights Room on the Newton Campus and drew a crowd of over 150 students, faculty, staff, and alumni. With the theme “A Night of Jazz,” attendees enjoyed a vibrant atmosphere and live music, as well as a silent and live auction and the presentation of PILF’s annual awards.
This year’s Outstanding Alumni Award went to Francine Sherman ’80, clinical professor emerita. The Justice Geraldine Hines Racial Justice Award went to Sophia Hall ’12, deputy litigation director at Lawyers for Civil Rights.
The annual auction is a longstanding tradition at BC Law and one of the most anticipated events of the year, bringing the public interest community together to honor the award recipients and show support to students and alumni working in the public sector. Proceeds provide financial support for students undertaking unpaid summer legal internships across government, legal aid, and non-profit legal sectors. All funds raised will go directly to the PILF summer stipend program.
This year’s event raised over $30,000 through the auction of eighty-eight items. These funds will sponsor nearly seven students, providing each with an increased stipend of $4,500.
“The auction highlights how critical a role alumni giving plays in funding PILF stipends,” said Michelle Grossfield, director of BC Law’s Public Interest and Pro Bono Programs. “The entire community is so grateful for everyone who attended, donated an auction item or otherwise contributed to the stipend program! I want to thank PILF for their hard work and dedication—the auction is their main event of the year, and they do it so well, but they also do so much more. BC Law is lucky to have such incredibly dedicated students who care so deeply for the school and its mission.”
Those unable to attend but still interested in making donations may do so at bc.edu/lawpilf or to the Hillinger fund at bc.edu/law/hillinger. All donations are greatly appreciated.
