News Release

Texas Access to Justice Foundation 
Sept. 22,  2020
 

Hispanic Issues Section of the State Bar of texas raises $40,000 for legal aid in Texas first-of-its-kind virtual event

AUSTIN, Texas––  The Hispanic Issues Section of the State Bar of Texas raised $40,000 in donations for Texas legal aid organizations during a first-of-its-kind “Law-teria” virtual game night. The statewide game night took place on Wednesday, Sept. 16, with proceeds raised supporting the Texas Access to Justice Foundation and legal aid organizations in Texas that are serving those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Hispanic Issues Section of the State Bar of Texas is extremely pleased to have raised $40,000 to support civil legal aid in Texas,” Judge Victor Villarreal, Webb County Court-at-Law II and Chair of the Hispanic Issues Section of the State Bar of Texas, said. “Our fellow Texans are in need of essential legal aid services now more than ever, and we are so grateful to everyone who donated to this fundraiser that also allowed us to share a fun event from the Hispanic culture.”

The event featured guest appearances by Texas Supreme Court Justice Eva Guzman, Texas Supreme Court Justice Brett Busby and Senator Judith Zaffirini. Participants also received door prizes and intermission entertainment. State Bar of Texas President-Elect Sylvia Borunda Firth of El Paso served as host of “Law-teria”. She was joined by special guest callers: Retired Judge Elsa Alcala, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals; Chief Justice Dori Contreras, 13th Court of Appeals; Justice Leticia Hinojosa, 13th Court of Appeals; and Justice Rebeca Martinez, Fourth Court of Appeals.

“We’re truly thankful to the Hispanic Issues Section for hosting an incredible event benefitting Texans in need of essential civil legal aid,” Deborah Hankinson, chair of the board of directors for the Texas Access to Justice Foundation, said. “The donations received are fundamental in helping our fellow Texans who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The Texas Access to Justice Foundation was created by the Supreme Court of Texas in 1984 to provide funding for the civil legal needs of poor and low-income Texans. The Foundation grants millions of dollars each year to approximately 40 organizations offering free civil legal assistance to qualified Texans. With TAJF grants, legal aid organizations advise more than 150,000 low-income Texans annually on such civil matters as protection from domestic violence, assistance with housing, and other critical legal issues. 

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The Texas Access to Justice Foundation (www.tajf.org), created by the Supreme Court of Texas in 1984, is the primary state-based funding source for the provision of civil legal aid in Texas. The organization is committed to the vision that all Texans will have equal access to justice, regardless of their income. The Foundation administers a variety of funding sources, which are earmarked to assist nonprofit organizations in providing legal aid to approximately 150,000 Texas families each year.

 


Kimberly Schmitt
512-320-0099, ext. 104
kschmitt@teajf.org

 

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