MBA / FEATURE
MAKE JUSTICE A PART OF YOUR LEGACY Montgomery Bar Foundation announces new legacy society for estate bequests
By Heather M. Bendit
I
t can be difficult to contemplate one’s own mortality. However, there is comfort in planning your estate, putting things in order and creating a legacy that reflects your guiding principles. Having dedicated your career to the cause of justice, The Montgomery Bar Foundation encourages you to incorporate this into your estate planning. As the charitable arm of the Montgomery Bar Association, the Bar Foundation is dedicated to advancing the cause of justice by awarding grants to organizations that provide free legal assistance and law-related services to the most vulnerable members of our community. Faced with crime, poverty, abuse and discrimination, these vital services help ensure that these individuals have someone fighting in their corner. The Bar Foundation’s grants are made possible by private charitable donations from individuals who share our commitment to access to justice. The Bar Foundation also manages the Permanent Fund, which is dedicated to ensuring that the Bar Foundation can continue to provide support for these vital services into the future. The Harvey F. Strauss Legacy Society recognizes and honors individuals who have included the Bar Foundation in their estate planning. The Society is named in honor of a friend and colleague who has dedicated his entire career to leveling the playing field for all members of our community. For nearly 40 years, as a staff attorney, then Executive Director of Montgomery County Legal Aid (now Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania), Harvey worked tirelessly to build a cadre of skilled and dedicated advocates and help steer the organization through many storms.
MONTGOMERY BAR FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES 2014 OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES
Organizations such as LASP, which ensure equal access to justice, are chronically under-funded. The situation has become particularly acute in recent years. Funding cuts and declining private support challenge their ability to respond to the need that grows each year. The Montgomery Bar Foundation is proud to serve as one of the few sources of operating support for these organizations, and is committed to increasing its support in the years to come. By providing the Montgomery Bar Foundation in your estate, you will help make this possible. Legacy gifts can be directed to support the Bar Foundation’s annual activities or to the Permanent Fund. Your estate planning professional can advise you regarding how to effectuate your intended gift. Please be sure to advise us of your bequest so we can properly acknowledge it. If you would like additional information or would like to join the Harvey F. Strauss Legacy Society, please contact Montgomery Bar Foundation Development Director Heather M. Bendit at hbendit@ montgomerybarfoundation.org or 610.994.3667.
SIDEBAR
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SPRING 2014
At the annual meeting of the Montgomery Bar Foundation, the following officers were elected: President – Steven H. Lupin, Esq., Hamburg Rubin Mullin Maxwell & Lupin Vice President – Mark A. Kearney, Esq., Elliott Greenleaf Secretary – David A. Feldheim, Esq. Treasurer – Gary M. Loewenstern, CPA, CVA, Resnick, Amsterdam, Leshner, PC Additionally, the following individuals were elected to serve as Trustees: Jeffrey E. Biernat, Gwynedd Wealth Partners, LLC Geoffrey D. Brandon, TD Bank Edward J. DiDonato, Esq., Fox Rothschild, LLP Shelly Lawson, USI Affinity Annette M. Long, CRP Donald J. Martin, Esq. Barbara M. Smith, Esq., McTighe, Weiss & O’Rourke, P.C. Seth D. Wilson, Esq., Morris, Clemm & Wilson, P.C. The following individuals will serve as Designated Trustees: Bruce Pancio, Esq., Walsh Pancio, LLC Paul C. Troy, Esq., Kane, Pugh, Knoell, Troy & Kramer, LLP The following individuals will serve as Honorary Trustees: Virginia Frantz, Montgomery County Foundation, Inc. Elizabeth Wood Fritsch, Esq., Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania