La Raza Lawyers Association: 12th Annual Scholarship Dinner

Dear Friend, 

            It is with great pleasure and excitement that we invite you and your firm to participate in La Raza Lawyers Association of Santa Clara County's Twelfth Annual Scholarship Dinner and Dance, which will take place on Friday, October 23^rd 2009, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Marriott Hotel in downtown San Jose.   All proceeds will benefit the La Raza Lawyers of Santa Clara County Charitable Foundation (a 501(c)(3) entity.  The Foundation's tax identification number is 59-3816862).

             This year has been a historic one, with the swearing in of the first African-American President of the United States and his nomination and confirmed appointment of the first Latina to the United States Supreme Court, Judge Sonia Sotomayor.  In the spirit of these inspirational and momentous achievements, we will be honoring Latina trailblazers at this year’s dinner, with recognition to those women who have broken through “glass ceilings” to help inspire Latinos to reach the top of their field in the legal profession.

             As part of this celebration, Rocky Delgadillo – a trailblazer in his own right – will be the keynote speaker to mark this occasion.  A native of East Los Angeles, Rocky became the highest-ranking Latino to win citywide office in more than 100 years when he was elected Los Angeles City Attorney on June 5, 2001.  Running unopposed, he was re-elected in March 2005 to a second four-year term.  Rocky is currently running for California Attorney General and, if elected, would become the first Latino Attorney General this state has ever had.   We are proud to have Rocky join us to speak at this year’s dinner.

It has been quite a joy to hear stories of Latina youths across the state and the country who have become inspired to reach for higher goals in the wake of Judge Sotomayor’s nomination.  But the appointment of Judge Sotomayor does not end the quest for equality and representation on the bench. California’s judiciary is the largest in the nation with over 1,700 judges.  According to the State Bar, however, less than 28% of California’s judges are women and less than 18% are minorities.  In total, Latinos comprise only 6% of the state’s judiciary and Latinas make up less than 2% of the judges currently on the bench.  With your support and contributions we hope to be able to help expand the reach of Judge Sotomayor’s inspirational story. 

In addition, and as is our tradition, we will be honoring law students with scholarships funded by your contributions to the La Raza Lawyers Charitable Foundation. Contributing to the scholarships is your opportunity to help ensure that law students serving the Latino community receive the financial support that they so desperately need in these difficult financial times.  The law students you help now may one day join you in your place of business.  We ask your help to change things for the better. 

Contributions in the past have helped us provide nearly $100,000 to benefit Latino law students in the Bay Area.  Students receive awards based on their community involvement and financial need, among other factors.  Your financial contribution this year will help carry on this tradition as the Foundation serves its commitment to serve the community.

In 2006, the La Raza Lawyers Association established a separate and independent La Raza Lawyers of Santa Clara County Charitable Foundation.  All contributions beyond the cost of the dinner will be for the benefit of the Foundation and are, of course, tax deductible. 

            For your convenience this year, we have included this secure and encrypted online payment option.  Simply use the buttons at the top of the page to purchase your seats.  If you are interested in purchasing eight tickets or more for your organization, or sponsoring a table at a Bronze, Silver, or Gold level (includes media recognition), please call me at (408) 691-7689.

            We look forward to having you join us for this occasion. 

Respectfully,

Robert Fabela

_____________________

Robert Fabela

Chairman and President, LRLA Foundation

La Raza Lawyers Charitable Foundation
4848 San Felipe Road #150-111
San Jose, CA 95135
Phone: 408-691-7689

La Raza Lawyers Charitable Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

The Foundation tax identification number is 59-3816862