WASHINGTON, DC (January 27, 2010) – Venable LLP announced today that the firm and the Venable Foundation have together raised more than $125,000 to help fund the rescue and recovery efforts in the wake of the devastating earthquakes in Haiti two weeks ago.
The contributions consist of a $50,000 matching grant from the Venable Foundation and more than $75,000 in private contributions from Venable attorneys and staff.
“The Venable Foundation focuses its giving on not-for-profit organizations that promote the education, health and well-being of the community in which Venable staff work and live” said former Venable chairman and US Attorney General Benjamin R. Civiletti, who chairs the Foundation. “In these extraordinary circumstances, we all recognize that the boundaries of our community are not geographic and that we, as human beings, have a duty to do what we can to assist the many Haitians who are in need.”
“My Haitian colleagues and I are extremely grateful for the outpouring of support that we have received from our colleagues,” said Karl A. Racine, Venable’s managing partner. “The Foundation's gift, together with the monetary contributions from Venable partners, associates, of counsel, legislative professionals and staff is characteristic of the firm's caring culture. Indeed, the firm's actions are reminiscent of the Haitian proverb MEN ANPIL CHAY PA LOU [Many Hands Make The Load Lighter]. We hope that the firm's modest gift makes the load lighter for the Haitian people. ”
While Venable attorneys and staff gave to a broad array of organizations assisting the Haiti relief efforts, the Foundation’s matching donations will be made to Partners in Health and Doctors Without Borders.
About the Venable Foundation
Established in 1983, The Venable Foundation works to promote the health and well-being of the communities where Venable's clients and attorneys work and live. The Foundation supports a broad wide range of organizations improving their communities, including children's services; homeless shelters and food programs; community organizations; educational, artistic and cultural organizations; and public interest law and legal education.
In 2009, the Washington Business Journal ranked Venable among the Washington area’s leading corporate philanthropists and first in giving among Washington law firms. During that year, the Foundation gave almost $2 million in grants to more than 340 organizations, continuing a long tradition of unparalleled giving which complements the pro bono legal work and community service of Venable attorneys and staff.
About Venable LLP
An American Lawyer top 100 law firm, Venable LLP has attorneys practicing in all areas of corporate and business law, complex litigation, intellectual property and government affairs. Venable serves corporate, institutional, governmental, nonprofit and individual clients throughout the U.S. and around the world from its headquarters in Washington, D.C. and offices in California, Maryland, New York and Virginia.