FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT Adrienne Wheeler, 504-910-1965, AWheeler@LouisianaAppleseed.org
Tuesday, January 9, 2024 [NEW ORLEANS, LA] – On January 18, 2024, Louisiana Appleseed will host its 14th annual Good Apple Gala. This event will celebrate the work of community members and pro bono volunteers that Louisiana Appleseed has enjoyed working with this past year. Louisiana Appleseed proudly announces Mark Surprenant as a Community Honoree for our 2024 Good Apple Gala.
Mark Surprenant is a renowned attorney who serves as Adams and Reese LLP’s Pro Bono Paladin. He has devoted decades to providing no-cost legal services to those in need. In 1988, he created H.U.G.S. (Hope, Understanding, Giving, Support)—the firm’s corporate philanthropy program—and in 2000, he established Caring Adams & Reese Employees (CA&RE), the firm’s official pro bono program.
“If our legal system does not work for all, it does not work,” said Adrienne Wheeler, Louisiana Appleseed’s Executive Director. “Mark Surprenant's devotion to this principle through the expansion of Pro Bono programs changes people’s lives daily.”
Mr. Surprenant co-founded SOLACE, Inc. (Support of Lawyers/Legal Personnel All Concern Encouraged), a statewide volunteer organization with approximately 17,000 Louisiana members and chapters in more than 25 states. SOLACE primarily assists legal community members who have experienced significant, potentially life-changing events.
The 2024 sponsors include silver sponsors Deutsch Kerrigan, LLP & Pan-American Life Insurance Group as well as Bronze sponsors Blue Cross Blue Shield Louisiana, Perez Law LLC, and Phelps Dunbar. Proceeds from the Good Apple Gala will go directly towards Louisiana Appleseed’s efforts to create more equitable access to justice, education, and opportunity in Louisiana.
The Good Apple Gala will be held at the Sazerac House, 101 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130. Tickets and sponsorship to the 2024 Good Apple Gala can be purchased online at www.louisianaappleseed.org/2024gala.
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Louisiana Appleseed is a statewide nonprofit based in New Orleans, Louisiana, focusing on policy-level solutions by recruiting attorneys to provide free services through a research-oriented approach to policy change. Louisiana Appleseed’s mission is rooted in three pillars dedicated to increasing Access to Justice, Opportunity, and Education. Learn more at www.louisianaappleseed.org.