Ayuda Celebrates the Lives of All Immigrants at Its 43rd Anniversary Event

 Immigration   Mon, May 16, 2016 08:19 PM

Washington, DC – On May 18, 2016, Ayuda will host its 43rd anniversary event to celebrate all immigrants in the Washington etropolitan area. The event draws more than 200 community leaders, pro bonocounsels, business leaders, and local leaders. It is the largest Ayuda gathering that recognizes and celebrates individuals who have helped lift up the lives of immigrants in the region.

The Hall of Fame Award recognizes distinguished individuals who have made significant achievements and contributions to Ayuda. The 2016 inductees to the Ayuda Hall of Fame are Lisa Dewey, pro bono counsel at DLA Piper LLP, and George Grandison, a partner at Steptoe & Johnson LLP. Each of these individuals has been a dedicated supporter of Ayuda for more than a decade.

The Ayuda Impact Award recognizes remarkable individuals who have advanced the conversation on immigration issues at the local, state, or national levels. This year’s recipient is Congresswoman Donna Edwards (D-MD) in recognition of her particular efforts to support victims of domestic violence.

"We hope you will join us in celebrating and honoring leaders and partners in helping low-income immigrants in our community access justice and find the means to restore their lives," said Diego Marquez, chair of Ayuda’s Board of Directors. "Lisa and George have helped Ayuda build a robust pro bono partnerships with their respective law firms. Through these partnerships, Ayuda has been able to leverage its capacity to serve more immigrants.”

Congresswoman Edwards’s legislative work and advocacy support victims of domestic violence. “Domestic violence and sexual assault are multi-faceted issues that are impacting communities in Maryland and across the country regardless of age, religion, ethnicity, immigration status, race, income level, or education,” said Congressman Edwards at a community roundtable last year.

Ayuda’s anniversary event will begin with a “Conversation on the Immigrant Experience,” to be moderated by C-SPAN’s Steve Scully, host of Washington Journal. The Ayuda Impact Award and reception, to be emceed by WJLA’s Maureen Bunyan, co-anchor of its news program.

The evening will also display artwork from Milagros Pongo, an artist, immigrant, and former Ayuda client. She has donated two original works for a silent auction at the event.

The 43rd Anniversary Event is made possible by: Platinum Sponsor: Steptoe & Johnson LLP; Gold Sponsors: Arnold & Porter LLP, DLA Piper LLP, WilmerHale LLP, Verizon; Silver Sponsors: Alston & Bird LLP, Anonymous, Crowell & Moring LLP, Greenberg & Traurig LLP, Microsoft Corporation, and Morrison & Foerster Foundation.

The Ayuda Anniversary Event will take place at the Microsoft Innovation & Policy

Center from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Doors will open for registration at 4:30 pm. For

more information about the gala visit:

http://ayuda.com/wp/be-involved/ayudas-43rd-anniversary-celebration/

If you wish to attend, please contact Sarah Block at sarah@ayuda.com or (202) 387-4848 ext. 143.

About Ayuda

Ayuda is a 43-year 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides legal, social, and language access services to low-income immigrants in the Washington metropolitan region.

CONTACT:
Sarah Block 202 – 387 - 4848 x 143 Sarah@ayuda.com