InterContinental Hotel April 3, 2025
Human suffering anywhere concerns men and women everywhere.
—Elie Wiesel
Purpose unifies us: it focuses our dreams, guides our plans, strengthens our efforts. Purpose defines us, shapes us, and offers us greatness.
Octavia E. Butler
Parable of the Talents
honoring
Geoff & Stephanie Gold
2025 Luis Lainer Founder’s Award
Elsa Marie Collins, Zoe Winkler Reinis, and Yolanda Selene Walther-Meade
Co-Founders, This Is About Humanity
2025 Rose L. Schiff Commitment to Justice Award
Dani Kaiserman, Esq.
2025 Jack H. Skirball Community Justice Award
InterContinental Hotel • Thursday, April 3
Arthur H. Bilger
Darrell Brown
Nancy Sher Cohen
Yousuf I. Dhamee
Scott A. Edelman
Alan V. Friedman
Terry B. Friedman
Richard B. Jones
Mitchell A. Kamin
Jessie C. Kornberg
Luis Lainer
David A. Lash
Stanley W. Levy
John K. Ly
Kevn S. Marks
Kenneth S. Millman
Samantha L. Millman
Peter K. Rosen
Sandor E. Samuels
David J. Schindler
Daniel Shallman
Glenn A. Sonnenberg
Adam S. Umanoff
Leah E. Weil
Sam S. Yebri
David A. Brooks
Jennifer L. Bryant
Alisha C. Burgin
Linda M. Burrow
Michelle L. C. Carpenter
Kimberly K. Chemerinsky
Allan B. Cutrow
Victor De la Cruz
Sandra L. Haberny
Gregory D. Helmer
Sean W. Jaquez
Moez M. Kaba
Teddy M. Kapur
Neal R. Marder
Torry J. McClary
Frank E. Melton
Alex Menenberg
Linda G. Michaelson
Ariel A. Neuman
Amy E. Proctor
Jennifer S. Romano
Robert M. Schwartz
Matthew E. Sloan
Bennett L. Spiegel
Albert W. Stemp
Mary Ann Todd
Nicholas J. Van Brunt
Alex M. Weingarten
Greetings, everyone,
In the span of three weeks, over two dozen fires ravaged our communities, burning more than 57,000 acres—an area roughly the size of Washington, D.C. and Manhattan combined. Tragically, over 16,000 homes and businesses have been destroyed and at least 29 lives were lost. Many of our Bet Tzedek family members have been personally impacted by these devastating fires, whether through evacuation, loss, or displacement.
As the initial shock and immediate need for shelter, food, and medical care have passed, the focus has shifted to longer-term recovery. This is where Bet Tzedek’s expertise has been crucial in helping displaced Angelenos make their way through the complex legal and bureaucratic challenges they face as they rebuild their lives— the power of advocacy.
Our wildfire relief services are available to individuals, workers, and small businesses in L.A. County, particularly those from vulnerable communities. We are especially concerned about low-income residents severely impacted by the Eaton fire. The loss of homes passed down through generations without proper title transfer threatens to erase intergenerational wealth. Our Leaving a Legacy Program and our Homeowner Protection team are working to secure the documentation needed to help these families rebuild.
Additionally, we are addressing the needs of vulnerable workers affected by the fires who may be asked to return to unsafe work environments without proper protection or may be pressured into joining exploitative underground economies. We are also planning a program to assist teachers, many of whom were already struggling to afford school supplies and now face additional challenges related to housing, insurance, and other post-fire needs.
Your support has helped in the face of this increased demand for services, even as we contend with the real possibility of frozen federal funding. This potential loss of millions of dollars in funding threatens our ability to continue vital services for those who need them most.
By supporting Bet Tzedek, you empower us to deliver essential services throughout our agency—whether protecting the rights of Angelenos affected by fires, defending tenants facing eviction, or helping Holocaust survivors secure reparations.
Together, we live by the values of tzedek tzedek tirdof and tikkun olam—justice and repair for all.
Thank you,
Diego Cartagena, Luis Lainer President & CEO
GEOFF AND STEPHANIE GOLD have been members of the Bet Tzedek family for over 30 years.
Stephanie’s first legal job was as a summer intern with Bet Tzedek. She returned to volunteer as pro bono counsel for Bet Tzedek clients and with its conservatorship clinic. Geoff has been a co-chair of the Justice Ball, has served as a Bet Tzedek board member for over two decades, and currently sits on its Executive Committee, where he helps advise and provide oversight. Over the course of their involvement, Stephanie and Geoff have hosted private events to raise funds for Bet Tzedek’s programs and assisted with fundraising through the annual dinner.
Stephanie clerked for Judge Marianna Pfaelzer in the U.S. District Court in Los Angeles and practiced law with Greenberg Glusker and Kiesel Law. She currently serves as a mentor and sits on the Advisory Board of Educating Students Together (EST), a non-profit that assists foster and low-income L.A. youth prepare and apply for college and obtain scholarships. She is a longtime member of the women’s campaign cabinet of JFEDLA and an active volunteer leader at the Federation. She has served on the Berkeley Law reunion and gift committees and has chaired and served in leadership positions and on fundraising committees with Geoff for their sons’ schools: Sinai Akiba, Milken and Harvard-Westlake. She serves as a delegate to the Yale Alumni Association, interviewer for its Alumni Schools Committee, volunteer for its Parents’ Fund, and is her class Reunion Chair.
Geoff is an equity partner at Ervin Cohen & Jessup where he litigates business and real estate disputes of all types as a trial lawyer. Geoff has been recognized by the Los Angeles Business Journal as a top litigator and leader of influence, and has received numerous other awards and recognitions. He has represented clients pro bono in matters involving financial elder abuse, home equity fraud, and unlawful detainers. He volunteered for the L.A. City Attorney’s Trial Advocacy Project, receiving training and serving as an assistant prosecutor. He has been a member of JFEDLA’s Legal and Real Estate divisions, Moriah Society of the American Jewish University, and has been a longtime supporter of Berkeley Law and chair of reunions for Berkeley Law and the University of Rochester. Geoff also acted as a mentor in the Volunteers in Parole program as an associate in San Franciso and serves as a mentor to EST students, assisting them with college application essays.
Geoff and Stephanie are the proud parents of Jacob, Ryan, and Micah. They are excited to welcome their newest family member, daughter-in-law Christine Desbois, whose marriage to Jacob will take place this summer.
Zoe Winkler Reinis, Elsa Marie Collins, and Yolanda Selene Walther-Meade
THIS IS ABOUT HUMANITY (TIAH) is a movement started in 2018 by Elsa Marie Collins, Zoe Winkler Reinis and Yolanda Selene WaltherMeade. Its original mission was that of raising awareness, funds, and efforts for the separated/reunified families humanitarian crisis. During Covid, TIAH broadened its scope to include the most expansive definition of vulnerable communities. Alongside the International Community Foundation (ICF), TIAH successfully launched a series of innovative, cross-border, matching grant initiatives with CaliBaja corporate and various non-profit partners. Thematic areas of support have included addressing Covid relief, education, mental health, the LGBTQI+ community, food insecurity and more.
These efforts have supported over 150 non-profit organizations on both sides of the border from Tijuana to Los Angeles with services in the aforementioned areas, as well as providing legal services, housing, and other essential needs. From establishing nine ludotecas, or learning spaces, for children to learn and play, to the first mental health grant in all of Mexico which provides mental health services to children and teens at the US-Mexico border, TIAH continues pioneering.
TIAH has moved forward with a collaborative food relief kitchen which currently produces over 3,100 meals a day for 30 shelters, and is on track for 1 million meals a year. Most recently, TIAH spearheaded a matching fund to support frontline essential workers, farmworkers, nannies, back-of-house workers, and families impacted by Southern California wildfires. Deeply appreciative both of the Bet Tzedek recognition and the work it does, TIAH provided a grant to the agency’s Immigrant Child Advocacy Project and Kinship Cares Program for its continued commitment to, and advocacy for some of the most vulnerable members of our communities.
“Purpose unifies us: it focuses our dreams, guides our plans, strengthens our efforts. Purpose defines us, shapes us, and offers us greatness.”
—Octavia
E. Butler, Parable of the Talents
Elsa Marie Collins is a social impact strategist dedicated to empowerment and progress. A first-generation Latina raised between San Diego and Tijuana, she earned degrees from Stanford University and a J.D. from Columbia Law School. She founded The Ideateur, a consultancy driving change at the nexus of entertainment, culture and community.
Elsa co-founded This Is About Humanity to support families at the border and Poderistas, a platform empowering Latinas through storytelling, organizing, and cultural pride. She also advised the HarrisWalz 2024 campaign, engaging Latino influencers in politics.
Recognized with multiple awards, including the Latino Spirit Award for Human Rights, Elsa is a leader in civic engagement. Married to NBA coach Jarron Collins, she balances her career and family in Los Angeles, raising three multiracial children.
Zoe, a native Angeleno and Loyola Marymount graduate, has dedicated her life to helping children, first as a preschool teacher and behaviorist. When the family separation crisis intensified, she co-founded This Is About Humanity to support separated families. Through her efforts, the organization has provided funds, Covid relief, and partnerships with groups like IMMDEF, KIND, and Casa Cornelia Law Center. Zoe has led donation drives and traveled to the border to learn firsthand from affected families. Her advocacy has earned her awards, including IMMDEF’s Champion of Social Justice Award and the WIN Organization’s Generations Award, which she shares with her father, Henry Winkler. Zoe lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Robert, and their three sons.
Yolanda is the quintessential binational changemaker. As an entrepreneur and the Voice of the Border, she collaborated with four Mexican Presidential Administrations, Nobel Laureates, and Pulitzers.
A founding Board Member of Baja’s first community foundation, Yolanda brought the first Boys & Girls Club out of the US/Canada region to Tijuana. Yolanda served on the Board of Governors of the San Diego Foundation (which has granted over $1 billion) and hosted the secondlongest running Latino Film Festival. A culinary leader, Yolanda co-produced the iconic Caesar salad Centennial.
Yolanda is a co-founder of This Is About Humanity, member of the Summit of Mexican Women Leaders in NYC, and heads Mexico/Latam Development for Bandon Holdings. Recognitions include Hall of Fame Tijuana Innovadora, Outstanding Development Volunteer/Outstanding Grantmaking Organization (SD AFP), LEAD Visionary Charles Nathanson Memorial Award for CrossBorder Region-Building; Champions for Inclusivity, CISLA; Baja’s 25 Most Influential Women, and is an IMMDEF Honoree.
“We’re about community.”
Dani Kaiserman, Esq.
DANI KAISERMAN has been an Elder Justice Staff Attorney with Bet Tzedek Legal Services for 10 years. She began her career at Bet Tzedek as a UCLA Law Fellow and Borchard Fellow in Law & Aging.
Dani represents low-income clients seeking elder and dependent adult abuse remedies, including securing restraining orders, conservatorships, and advanced planning documents. She specializes in financial elder abuse, assisting victims and educating consumers about financial scams. In October 2017, Dani co-founded the Bet Tzedek Elder Abuse Restraining Order Clinic at Stanley Mosk Courthouse, which has since assisted hundreds of litigants. Dani is also a Los Angeles County certified mediator who volunteers with Centinela Youth Services’ Family Mediation Program.
Dani graduated from UCLA School of Law in May 2015 as a member of the David J. Epstein Program in Public Interest Law and Policy. Prior to law school, Dani worked as the program manager at the National Academy on an Aging Society, a non-profit in Washington, DC that focuses on aging policy.
“I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.”
―Elie Wiesel
“Where you see wrong or inequality or injustice, speak out, because this is your country. This is your democracy. Make it. Protect it. Pass it on.”
—Thurgood Marshall
The Luis Lainer Founder’s Award was established in 1999 in honor of Bet Tzedek’s co-founder and first Executive Director, Luis Lainer. Luis continues to be an active member of Bet Tzedek’s Board of Directors and its Executive Committee.
The Rose L. Schiff Commitment to Justice Award was established in 1999 by Dahlia and Art Bilger as a tribute to Art’s late grandmother, whose passion for justice has inspired succeeding generations of her family.
The Jack H. Skirball Community Justice Award was established in 2006 by the Skirball Foundation as a tribute to the legacy of Jack H. Skirball. It recognizes a Bet Tzedek employee whose service embodies his commitment to his community.
2024
Adam S. Umanoff
Angel City Football Club
Amy Peckner
2023
David J. Schindler
Chief Justice of California
Tani Cantil-Sakauye (Ret.)
Dominique Sanz-David, Esq.
2022
Robert M. Schwartz
Paul Hastings LLP
Tracy Douglas, Catherine Hoffman, and Tatiana Perez
2021
Our Client Communities’ Resilience
Our Philanthropic Family’s Generosity
Our Staff’s work, and the amplifying power of our Pro Bono and Volunteer Partners
2020
Kenneth S. Millman
L.A. Justice Fund
Bet Tzedek’s Legal Support Team
2019
Richard B. Jones
Bank of America
Ed Elsner
2018
E. Randol Schoenberg
Latham & Watkins LLP
John Ly
Kim Selfon
2017
Georgina & Alan Rothenberg
The Eisner Foundation
Nicholas Levenhagen
2016
Eric H. Holder, Jr.
UCLA School of Law
Sam S. Yebri
Akiko Nishino
2015
Pedro Pizarro
Zev Yaroslavsky
Samantha Millman
Erikson Albrecht
2014
Stanley P. Gold and Bruce M. Ramer
Luis Lainer, Hon. Terry B. Friedman (Ret.), Michael N. Feuer, David A. Lash and Mitchell A. Kamin
Andrea Ambrose Lobato and Aaron J. Spiwak
Joey D. Alarcon
2013
Leah E. Weil
Werner F. Wolfen (z”l)
Yolande Erickson and Bertha Sanchez Hayden
Rebecca Nichols (z”l)
2012
Gary D. Roberts
The United States
Holocaust Memorial Museum
Lisa D. Hoffman and Volker J. Schmidt
2011
Darrell R. Brown
The Jewish Journal
Marc Bender, Matthew DeCarolis, Kevin Kish and Gus May
2010
Barbara J. Desoer
Weingart Foundation
Janet R. Morris
2009
Glenn A. Sonnenberg
Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP and Stanley W. Levy
Deborah Baldwin
2008
Kevin S. Marks
O’Melveny & Myers LLP
Anna Burns
2007
Marc H. Gamsin
Milken Family Foundation
Spencer Lord
2006
Richard A. Kayne
Irell & Manella LLP and James N. Adler
2005
Amgen and David J. Scott
The Collins Family Foundation
2004
Sandor Samuels
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher
2003
Howard S. Marks
Ira Yellin (z”l)
2002
Jay S. Wintrob
Judge Harry Pregerson (z”l)
2001
Frank E. Baxter
The Skirball Cultural Center
2000
Harry T. McMahon
Audrey Irmas
1999
George G. Golleher
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
1998
Eli Broad
Survivors of the Shoah
Visual History Foundation
Arthur H. Bilger
Bill Gephardt 1996
Sanford M. Litvack
Dale R. Laurance
Newton Becker (z”l) & Rochelle Becker (z”l)
Jerome L. Coben
Stanley W. Levy
Schulman
& Mel Levine
Stern
Friedman
Lainer
Lee Needleman
SAMANTHA MILLMAN
Dear Friends,
It is an honor to be with you tonight as we come together to celebrate Bet Tzedek’s enduring legacy of service to low-income individuals and families in Los Angeles and beyond. Each of you is an essential part of this mission, and we are profoundly grateful for your support.
Under ordinary circumstances, Bet Tzedek’s clients face extraordinary challenges. But 2025 has been anything but ordinary, ushering in new, ferocious challenges on multiple fronts. Economic pressures, dramatic policy shifts and funding freezes, and devastating wildfires have intensified the hardships faced by so many in our community. For our clients, these crises threaten their homes, their health, their families, and their livelihoods.
In moments of crisis, Bet Tzedek shines, responding nimbly to meet the moment with both expertise and empathy. None of this would be possible without you. Your generosity and commitment ensure that we can continue to meet the needs of our clients with compassion, expertise, and unwavering resolve.
To our incredible honorees: Thank you for being shining examples of what it means to put values into action. Through your leadership, generosity, and steadfast dedication, you create real and lasting impact in our communities. Your work inspires us all to do more and to do better.
To our Gala sponsors: Your generous contributions fuel our work and enable us to expand our reach, deepen our impact, and provide critical services to those who need them most.
To our remarkable staff: Your passion, dedication, and relentless pursuit of justice make a tangible difference in the lives of our clients every single day. You are the heart of Bet Tzedek.
To our pro bono partners and volunteers: Your willingness to share your time, expertise, and resources amplifies the power of Bet Tzedek and ensures that our clients receive the robust legal advocacy they deserve.
To my fellow Board members: Your leadership and vision help guide Bet Tzedek forward, honoring our legacy while boldly shaping our future.
I am continually inspired by this extraordinary community, bound by shared purpose and a fierce determination to create a more just world. Let tonight serve as a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we unite our resources and our resolve.
With deep gratitude,
Samantha Millman
Samantha L. Millman
Board Chair
G. Carla Axelrod
Ava Badiee
BTNLC Co-Chair
Sasha M. Bass
BTNLC Co-Chair
Matthew D. Benedetto
Arthur H. Bilger
Jennifer L. Bryant
Alisha C. Burgin
Linda M. Burrow
Michelle L.C. Carpenter
Kimberly K. Chemerinsky
Victor De la Cruz
Yousuf I. Dhamee
Christine E. Ellice
Michael A. Firestein
Michael G. Freedman
BTNLC Co-Chair
Hon. Terry B. Friedman, Ret.
Geoffrey M. Gold
Gordon A. Greenberg
Rex S. Heinke
Luis Lainer Chair Emeritus
Gregory D. Helmer
Sean W. Jaquez
Richard B. Jones
Moez M. Kaba
Jeffrey H. Kinrich
Katherine H. Ku
Luis Lainer
Stanley W. Levy
Jason D. Linder
John K. Ly
Neal R. Marder
Kevin S. Marks
Torrey J. McClary
Frank E. Melton
Alex Menenberg
Linda G. Michaelson
Kenneth S. Millman
Samantha L. Millman
Ariel A. Neuman
Scott S. Packman
Diego Cartagena Luis Lainer President/CEO
Amy E. Proctor
Heather L. Richardson
Rey M. Rodriguez
Jennifer S. Romano
Erin C. Rotgin
David J. Schindler
Robert M. Schwartz
Dawn Sestito
Daniel N. Shallman
Ashley M. Silberfeld
Matthew E. Sloan
Glenn A. Sonnenberg
Bennett L. Spiegel
Albert W. Stemp
Laura A. Stoll
Mary Ann Todd
Adam S. Umanoff
Leah E. Weil
Alex M. Weingarten
Sam S. Yebri
Bet Tzedek’s President’s Council serves as an advisory board to provide guidance, support and advice to Bet Tzedek’s President/CEO and Board of Directors.
Membership on the President’s Council is reserved for former Executive Directors and members of the Board of Directors who have demonstrated leadership and a substantial commitment to Bet Tzedek and have the interest and ability to significantly contribute in an advisory capacity.
The members of Bet Tzedek’s President’s Council are:
Jay Abarbanel
Jeffrey I. Abrams
Robert G. Badal
Evan A. Braude
Jerome L. Coben
Nancy Sher Cohen
Mark T. Drooks
Scott A. Edelman
Alan V. Friedman
J. Eric Isken
Mitchell A. Kamin
Stanley T. Kandel
Frank M. Kaplan
Jessie Kornberg
Stephen A. Kroft
David A. Lash
A. Howard Matz
Peter K. Rosen
Sandor E. Samuels
John A. Schulman
Jay S. Wintrob
“ Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth. ” —Shirley Chisholm
The generous individuals who have chosen to remember Bet Tzedek in their estate plans and through various planned gifts are a special group. They are visionaries whose philanthropy continues to propel Bet Tzedek’s mission. These donors have looked ahead to the needs of future generations and ensured that the most vulnerable in Southern California will continue to have access to legal advice and counsel from the staff at the House of Justice.
The Bet Tzedek Legacy Society was created to honor these individuals and their lifechanging legacies. An estate gift of any size and of any type qualifies for the Legacy Society. For more information, please contact Amy Peckner, Senior Development Officer, at (323) 549-5860 or apeckner@bettzedek.org.
Anonymous
Sara Adler
Linda & Robert Badal
Catherine Benkaim
Meryl & Michael Chae
Nancy Sher Cohen & Robert Cohen (z”l)
Susan & Alan Friedman
Marlene Grossman & Marshall Grossman (z”l)
Molly Harris
Phil Holthouse
Randi & Richard Jones
Wendy & Stephen Kroft
Kenneth J. Leach
Hon. Bonnie Lowenthal & Evan Braude
Lucy Maltby
Jane & A. Howard Matz
Sunny Moss
Claudia & Sandor Samuels
Andrea & Glenn Sonnenberg S. Chic Wolk
We express our deepest gratitude to the late donors whose generous bequests continue to support Bet Tzedek today:
Nina Abrams
Esther P. Adamson
James N. Adler
Lurene M. Albert
Maria Altmann
Rene Barge
Greta Bayer
Carol Beck
Ben Bergman
Julian Berk
Sima Conrad
Bessie Cooper
Odessa Dubinsky
Jacob Fiacre
Cathy & Jeff Fine
Henry Friedman
Harriet &
Richard Glickman
Margaret Goetz
Joseph R. Goldstein
Fannie Hartman
Lillian Hartman
Anita Hirsh
Ethel Jacobson
Kagey Kash
Roy Kaufman
Morris Knopow
Isaac Lager
Stanley Lederman
Samuel D. Levin
Irene & Martin Lowy
Marilyn Mamann
Fred Mautner
Esther Newman
Mary-Joan Palevsky
Harriet Perchonok
Ida Prouse
Lee M. Ruben
Edward Saltzberg
Jay Shafer
Regina Shapiro
Harry C. Sigman
Alfred Silverton
Haskell Saul
Solomon
Sidney Stern
Rebecca Wabash
Margo & Stefan Waller
Michael Winter
Erikson Albrecht Associate Vice President
Kathy Amiliategui Employment Rights Attorney
Taylor Amstutz Homeowner Protection Attorney
Alisa Anderson Elder Justice Advocate
Layne Arguello Racial Equity in Trust and Estate Law Fellow
Nancy Avila Villatoro Homeowner Protection Attorney
Jessica Ayon Intake Screener and Receptionist
Erin Bair
Medical-Legal Partnership Attorney
Lakesh Baker Vice President of Human Resources
Henrissa Bassey Directing Attorney
Sara Benowitz Low Income Tax Clinic Attorney
Rosanne Bonee Impact Litigation Secretary
Mariela Bravo
Preventing and Ending Homelessness Paralegal
Jackie Browne Development Consultant
Norman Bullock Chief Finance and Operating Officer
Belinda Cai Communications Lead
Maria Camacho Decedents’ Estate Self-Help Clinic Coordinator
Tricia Carrillo Senior Human Resources Generalist
Diego Cartagena President and CEO
Marco Castaños Small Business Development Attorney
Marin Castillo-Valle Elder Justice Social Worker
Kelsey Chapple Employment Rights Attorney
Alla Chasnik
Preventing and Ending Homelessness Attorney
Reyna Chavez Community and Seniors Coordinator
Emily Chong Impact Advocacy Attorney
Eduardo Colon
Preventing and Ending Homelessness Paralegal
Vincent Cummings Vice President of External Affairs
Anna Darr Leaving a Legacy Estate Planning Program Attorney
Matthew Decarolis Interim Directing Attorney
Anna Maria Diaz-Balart Self-Help Clinics Coordinator
Nora Elkind Pro Bono Administrative Assistant
Edward Elsner Senior Outreach Attorney
Julia Entin Holocaust Services Advocate
Yolande Erickson Conservatorship Attorney
Karla Estrada Sanchez Small Business Development Paralegal
Rachael Ettinger Pro Bono Coordinator
Erenie Fahmy Volunteer Coordinator
Hannah Feldman LAUSD Kinship Care Attorney
Joanna Fluckey Directing Attorney
Stacey Foster Senior Grants Accountant
Steven Friday Transgender Rights Attorney
Tzung-Lin Fu Vice President of Grants Implementation and Compliance
Janxim Galdamez Eviction Defense Paralegal
Isabela Garcia Conservatorship Paralegal
Arely Garcia Elder Justice Administrative Assistant
Nora Ghamari Senior Outreach Hearing Representative
Angel Go External Affairs Administrative Assistant
Michelle Gonzalez Senior Outreach Attorney
Luz Granda Homeowner Protection Paralegal
Jessica Guerrero Employment Rights Paralegal
Michael Hagerty Kinship Care Attorney
Emily Hampton Grants Officer
Tamara Harris Small Business Development Attorney
Nicole Herrarte CHIRP Social Woker and Case Manager
Helene Hoffman Holocaust Services Attorney
Lisa Hoffman Holocaust Services Director
Scott Horowitz Operations Manager
Maral Ishkanian Accounting Support Technician
Carla Jacobo
Small Business Development Paralegal
Daniella (Dani) Kaiserman Elder Justice Attorney
Jessica Ko Controller
Michelle Kogan
Holocaust Services Admin. Assistant and Intake Coordinator
Hana Kommel Williams
Preventing and Ending Homelessness Attorney
Christopher Kung Pro Bono Coordinator, Eviction Defense Project
Nicholas (Nik) Lampros Eviction Defense Attorney
Hyun Joo Lee Immigrant Foster Youth Attorney
Veronica Leichter Caregiver Litigation Secretary
Sara Levine
Pro Bono Director
Madison Lipton Executive Assistant to President and CEO
Marisol Macaraeg Eviction Defense Paralegal
Elizabeth Machado
Equal Justice Works Fellow, Employment Rights
Magda Madrigal Directing Attorney
Lizbet Madrigal
Pro Bono and Small Business Administrative Assistant
Richard Maher
Homeowner Protection Attorney
Andrew Marmor Eviction Defense Attorney
Jessica Marsella
Medical-Legal Partnership Attorney
Tanesha May
Development Operations Coordinator
Yvonne Medrano Employment Rights Attorney
Melody Mendez Self-Help Conservatorship Clinic Paralegal
Lesly Mendoza Kinship Care Attorney
Greg Michalak Preventing and Ending Homelessness Attorney
Luke Mondragon Grants Officer
Adriana Moreno Nevarez Foster Youth Immigration Attorney
Mentru Nagbe Director of Data, Information, and Technology
Matthew Ng Assistant Controller
Hannah Nowikow Eviction Defense Attorney
Rodrigo Oregel Intake Screener and Receptionist
Judith Ortega Office Coordinator
Ariana Ortiz-Chavez Eviction Defense Litigation Secretary
Naomi Pearl Grants Administrator
Amy Peckner Senior Development Officer
Janeth Pimentel Preventing and Ending Homelessness Project Paralegal
Rebecca Popuch Kinship Care Attorney
Angelica Rodriguez Kinship and Immigration Paralegal
Lidia Romero Employment Rights Administrative Assistant
Dennis Ryan Eviction Defense Paralegal
Caitlin Saggese Preventing and Ending Homelessness Attorney
Bertha Sanchez Hayden Associate Vice President
Dominique Sanz-David Elder Justice Attorney
Andrea Schneider Director of Institutional Giving
Nadia Segura Directing Attorney
Kim Selfon IHSS and Medi-Cal Policy Specialist
Claire Shaw Eviction Defense Paralegal
Wai-Hong (Alfred) So Senior Accountant
Gayle Tamler IHSS and Medi-Cal Attorney
Mary Tanagho Ross Vice President of Legal Programs
Alex Tellez Finance Grants Manager
Julius Thompson Senior Outreach Attorney
Catherine Tran Preventing and Ending Homelessness Attorney
Susan Unger Senior Fundraising Officer
Maria Uribe Immigration Litigation Secretary
Lidia Vargas Moreira Foster Youth Immigration Advocate
Estefania Villarreal Immigration Attorney
Michael Waldren Directing Attorney
Jeffrey Webb Directing Attorney
Aimee Williams Associate Vice President
Cristin Zeisler Interim Directing Attorney
Alan Zenoff Community Outreach Advocate
In 1974, a movement of compassion and justice took root in the Beverly Fairfax district. As gentrification surged in the early 1970s, displacing Holocaust survivors and other vulnerable seniors, a small group of friends with a shared conviction founded Bet Tzedek—the House of Justice. This was more than a legal aid organization; it was a promise to pursue justice and advocate for low-income Angelenos who have nowhere else to turn. Bet Tzedek’s mission has always remained resolute: “tzedek tzedek tirdof—justice, justice (we) shall pursue.”
We continue to serve tens of thousands of individuals and families throughout Los Angeles—over 65,000 people in 2024 alone. And our work’s reach stretches beyond the border of Los Angeles County. Our legislative advocacy, in tandem with our direct client services, creates waves of justice that begin as ripples with individual cases and build into tidal waves of systemic change that empower those most vulnerable across California.
Bet Tzedek addresses the pressing needs of community members through four core program areas:
• JUSTICE FOR WORKERS, TAXPAYERS AND SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS
Helping to lift communities out of poverty, we fight for equitable economic opportunities.
• JUSTICE FOR SENIORS, DEPENDENT ADULTS AND CAREGIVERS
Our unmatched expertise in the legal issues affecting older and dependent adults helps them age in safety and security.
• JUSTICE FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Nontraditional families face challenges accessing food, housing, and medical care. We work to ensure their needs are met.
• JUSTICE FOR TENANTS, HOMEOWNERS AND UNHOUSED INDIVIDUALS
We were founded in response to a housing crisis and have protected housing for Angelenos ever since.
Bet Tzedek is prepared to respond to policy changes that will impact the health, safety, and well-being of the families and communities we serve, from older or disabled adults relying on public assistance to low-wage workers to unaccompanied undocumented children. As we have done for over five decades, we will do this with the goal of helping clients and communities build resiliency today and into tomorrow.
• Bet Tzedek has seen firsthand the impact of a lack of renter protections on small business owners. After working in garment factories for years, “Sofia” started her own business, renting a small space within a dry cleaner’s office. Just one year later, the owner drastically increased Sofia’s rent far beyond what she could afford. After she was advised her tenancy would be terminated, Bet Tzedek swiftly intervened and asserted her right to a 30-day notice and negotiated relocation assistance. To address this issue systemically, Bet Tzedek co-sponsored the Commercial Tenant Protection Act (SB 1103, Menjivar), a bill aimed at protecting small businesses and nonprofits from displacement, gentrification, and unexpected rent increases. Once signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, it became the country’s first such commercial tenant protection law. This law will help small business owners like Sofia by expanding language access, extending notification periods for rent hikes and lease terminations, and capping security deposit fees.
• Hospital debt is a significant burden for millions of Californians, such as our client “Raoul,” who had to make the difficult choice between paying medical bills or paying rent. After a heart surgery left him saddled with debt, Raoul’s recovery was stymied by financial stress, and he was afraid to seek further medical care due to high costs. To support equal access to care and help individuals like Raoul, Bet Tzedek co-sponsored the Hospital and Emergency Physician Fair Pricing Policies (AB 2297 Friedman) bill with Western Center on Law and Poverty. This legislation provides greater financial protection to lowand moderate-income Californians by ending harmful medical debt collection practices, protecting patients’ savings from being depleted when seeking hospital care, and prohibiting the use of property liens for unpaid bills from financially qualified patients.
• Through our Leaving a Legacy Program, launched in 2024, Bet Tzedek provides trust and estate services to help ensure that properties in the hands of low-income clients are passed down to younger generations, thus building intergenerational wealth. With funding from the ACTEC Foundation, Bet Tzedek hired a Postgraduate Fellow for Equity in Trust & Estate Law to significantly increase our team’s capacity. In 2024, we helped 438 clients, ensuring that their loved ones, a collective 653 family members, inherit their primary source of intergenerational wealth. Further, we held 70 community events, including clinics, presentations, and tabling, which reached over 6,000 people with information on trust and estate planning.
• Our client “Theresa,” a disabled resident of Culver City, was allegedly served with eviction papers by her landlord in late December 2023. Due to mailing delays, Theresa didn’t learn about the case until January, by which time a default judgment had been entered against her. Bet Tzedek successfully argued to have her judgment set aside. Unfortunately, we see many tenants facing similar situations, particularly following the end of pandemic-era tenant protections. Bet Tzedek attorneys provided testimony in support of the passage of AB 2347 to extend the time California tenants have to respond to eviction notices from five days to ten. Signed into law, the extra five days of notice provided can be crucial, potentially meaning the difference between remaining safely housed and being out on the streets.
• Bet Tzedek’s Eviction Defense Project (EDP) is engaged in a new four-year Pro-Bono Housing Defense project, “We Are L.A.,” to build volunteer capacity for Stay Housed L.A.—a county program for emergency
homeless prevention referrals. In 2024, EDP staff conducted 23 presentations on housing topics to educate the community about their rights, reaching more than 720 tenants and their families. Additionally, we connected numerous pro bono attorneys to low-income residential tenants and will continue to engage volunteers to serve these vulnerable clients.
• Bet Tzedek’s Homeownership Protection Program team achieved a trial victory in a case that had been years in the making. With pro bono partner McDermott, Will & Emery, we represented an octogenarian widower fighting to stay in his home in a claim filed in state court. As a result of our team’s tireless advocacy, the jury returned a unanimous verdict in favor of our client after only a half-hour of deliberation. Bet Tzedek is proud to maintain safe and affordable housing for older adults to help them age in dignity.
• Staff attorney Kim Selfon provided input to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) on a lawsuit alleging that L.A. County discriminated against voters with disabilities by failing to mandate accessible polling places for them. Kim’s expertise in IHSS and Medi-Cal policy and testimony helped the DOJ reach a settlement with the County, which will ensure that polling locations are accessible for all voters.
• Through our Medical-Legal Partnership (MLP) with Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Bet Tzedek’s staff attorneys conducted 212 intakes and opened 205 cases at the hospital for patients in need. We provided legal assistance on a range of issues, such as accessing public benefits, maintaining safe and affordable housing, and addressing domestic violence and financial exploitation. Our team also held 19 training events in 2024 that reached 429 attendees, including training hospital staff to identify potential legal issues and make referrals to MLP attorneys.
In the span of three weeks, over two dozen fires tore through Southern California, cumulatively burning more than 57,000 acres, an area nearly equivalent to Washington, D.C. and Manhattan combined. In total, more than 16,000 homes and businesses have been destroyed, according to CAL FIRE, and at least 29 people perished.
Once the initial wave of fear, disbelief, and grief experienced by victims of the wildfires subsided, their immediate need for shelter, first aid, meals and clothing transitioned into the longer-term recovery phase of this disaster. That is when legal expertise became integral to help displaced Angelenos navigate the often complicated and bureaucratic maze they must travel to rebuild their lives and their livelihoods.
Bet Tzedek’s services continue to be available to all individuals, workers, and small businesses in L.A. County who were impacted by the wildfires. We believe the greatest need is faced by the low-income residents, workers, and small businesses of Altadena and the surrounding areas impacted by the Eaton fire. We are particularly worried about what may turn out to be a significant loss of intergenerational wealth in that community and the loss of economic potential faced by small business owners there. We are also focusing on providing services to populations of low-wage workers impacted by the fires, such as domestic workers or maintenance workers who may face requirements to return to hazardous work environments without proper equipment.
Bet Tzedek has been assisting those impacted by the wildfires on a variety of fronts, including:
• HOUSING MATTERS to help residential tenants understand insurance, illegal rental increases, evictions due to the fires, and to help homeowners navigate FEMA applications, address mortgage issues, and avoid scams.
• ECONOMIC JUSTICE MATTERS to help Small Businesses file and appeal insurance and FEMA applications, understand how to maintain good employee practices to protect workers, understand their responsibilities related to business loans, and address commercial lease issues. We are also helping workers understand health and safety and unemployment insurance rights and appealing unemployment insurance application denials. Finally, we are helping with public benefits denials and overpayment charges, with a particular focus on Medicare and IHSS.
• MISCELLANEOUS LEGAL MATTERS to help clients—particularly older individuals—identify and prevent scams; help individuals who have taken children into their home to address care and custody issues via caregiver affidavits and guardianships; and helping families prepare for this and future disasters by completing family preparedness packets to address the care and custody of their children.
A special thank you to those who helped fund our wildfire response and to those who helped us increase our outreach and advocacy by volunteering with Bet Tzedek.
The pursuit of justice has been Bet Tzedek’s guiding light since our journey began half a century ago.
Bet Tzedek is honored to celebrate our five-decade legacy of serving communities across Los Angeles and beyond. Even as we celebrate our successes from 2024, our attorneys are already confronting the threats facing our clients under the administration’s policies. We are witnessing an onslaught of direct and indirect hits to our client communities, to the nonprofit organizations that support them, and to the state of California.
We also carry with us the lessons learned during the past 51 years of legal successes and use them to propel ourselves forward in the months and years ahead. We will continue to serve as a trusted source of information and legal assistance, combatting fear and misinformation with rapid-response outreach and services as new attacks are unleashed against Angelenos.
The pursuit of justice has been Bet Tzedek’s guiding light since our journey began half a century ago. Because we cannot do this alone, we rely on our network of partners and advocates—locally, statewide, and nationally—who have always been essential to our successes.
We thank you for being a part of that journey and for helping carry our mission into the future.
“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”
—James Baldwin
ATTENDED 70 PRESENTATIONS, supporting policies against gentrification.
13,195 ONLINE INTAKE APPLICATIONS
1,055 VOLUNTEERS
208 LAW STUDENTS DONATED 30,846 HOURS OF PRO BONO SERVICES VALUED AT YEARS OF JUSTICE FOR ALL
208 LAW STUDENTS DONATED 30,846 HOURS OF PRO BONO SERVICES VALUED AT YEARS OF JUSTICE FOR ALL
8,321 CALLS TO OUR CALL CENTER 13,195 ONLINE INTAKE APPLICATIONS 1,903 CLIENT TRANSFERS FROM PARTNER ORGS
8,321 CALLS TO OUR CALL CENTER
1,055 VOLUNTEERS $10,492,984 INCL.
$10,492,984 INCL.
1,903 CLIENT TRANSFERS FROM PARTNER ORGS
65,000+ PEOPLE SERVED
65,000+ PEOPLE SERVED
28,933 SENIORS, DEPENDENT ADULTS & CAREGIVERS 11,492 CHILDREN & FAMILIES 11,975 WORKERS & SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS 9,160 TENANTS, HOMEOWNERS & UNHOUSED INDIVIDUALS
FY24 FINANCIAL REVENUE 28,933 SENIORS, DEPENDENT ADULTS & CAREGIVERS 11,492 CHILDREN & FAMILIES 11,975 WORKERS & SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS 9,160 TENANTS, HOMEOWNERS & UNHOUSED INDIVIDUALS
OVER 5,288 ATTENDED 540+ LEGAL CLINICS, including the first Medi-Cal Matters Clinic, aiding older adults and individuals with disabilities.
OVER 5,288 ATTENDED 540+ LEGAL CLINICS, including the first Medi-Cal Matters Clinic, aiding older adults and individuals with disabilities.
$3.8M SETTLEMENT WON FOR 100+ EXPLOITED WORKERS, including minors, at two L.A. poultry plants.
$3.8M SETTLEMENT WON FOR 100+ EXPLOITED WORKERS, including minors, at two L.A. poultry plants.
MORE THAN 6,213 ENGAGED WITH LEAVING A LEGACY, receiving estate planning services for low-income families.
MORE THAN 6,213 ENGAGED WITH LEAVING A LEGACY, receiving estate planning services for low-income families.
4,672 SERVED THROUGH OUR NEW CONSERVATORSHIP PLATFORM. Launched in 2024, this online tool provides L.A. families 24/7 access to conservatorship info, decision-making tools, workshops, and community resources.
4,672 SERVED THROUGH OUR NEW CONSERVATORSHIP PLATFORM. Launched in 2024, this online tool provides L.A. families 24/7 access to conservatorship info, decision-making tools, workshops, and community resources.
1,450 SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS ATTENDED 70 PRESENTATIONS, supporting policies against gentrification.
1,450 SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS ATTENDED 70 PRESENTATIONS, supporting policies against gentrification.
FY24 FINANCIAL REVENUE
■ PRIVATE DONORS $10,684,598
■ PRIVATE DONORS $10,684,598
■ GOVERNMENT GRANTS $7,083,290
■ GOVERNMENT GRANTS $7,083,290
CY PRES & ATTY FEES
■ CY PRES & ATTY FEES
$1,380,150
In the heart of Los Angeles, a movement of compassion and justice took root in the Fairfax district. As tides of gentrification and inflation surged in the early 1970s, displacing Holocaust survivors and other vulnerable seniors, two visionaries—Rabbi Stanley Levy and Luis Lainer— ignited a spark of change.
With a small group of friends and a shared conviction, they founded Bet Tzedek—the House of Justice. Bet Tzedek was more than a legal aid organization; it was a promise to advance justice and to advocate for Angelenos with nowhere else to turn.
As we celebrate 50 years of unwavering service, we honor the legacy and the friends who declared, “tzedek, tzedek, tirdof—justice, justice, (we) shall pursue,” laying the groundwork for a future Los Angeles where justice heals our communities.
Looking toward the next decade, Bet Tzedek is mapping out an ambitious future where Angelenos have equitable access to meet their essential needs and lead fulfilling lives with dignity, opportunity, and financial wellbeing.
To achieve this goal, we are launching the public phase of our fundraising campaign—Carrying the Torch Forward—to raise $50 million over the next two years.
Your generous contributions will ensure Bet Tzedek can elevate its efforts and maximize the number of individuals and families we are able to serve in Los Angeles in the following three ways:
• Expand our Groundbreaking Programs: We are ever mindful of the hundreds of thousands of vulnerable individuals and families still seeking access to social and economic justice. By strategically weaving together ever deepening
legal expertise, innovation, volunteer resources, and data-driven decisions, Bet Tzedek will be able to help more Angelenos and continue to position itself to address the most pressing—and evolving—community needs.
• Deepen our Community Partnerships: Broadening collaborations with legal, community, and tech organizations throughout the region, we will seek to increase our outreach efforts and embed more of our experts with sibling organizations across Los Angeles. These tactical partnerships strengthen our ties with client communities and amplify our impact directly in each of their neighborhoods.
• Press for Greater Policy Reform: Deploying our five-decades worth of knowledge and leadership among collaborative partners, we will harness the law to reform unjust systems that block communities’ social and economic wellbeing. Working at the local, state, and—when appropriate—federal levels, Bet Tzedek will mount a calculated mix of litigation, legislative work, outreach, education, and partnerships to advance long-term transformative change.
Over one million individuals and families have already been helped. Bet Tzedek— the House of Justice—has been providing free legal services and resources to those who need it most.
We remain committed to the ethos of tikkun olam—and tzedek, tzedek tirdof remains our North Star. We invite you now to help light the path to a brighter and more just future. Join us in this pursuit!
To learn more about how your participation can help Bet Tzedek to amplify our impact and expand our reach, please reach out to Susan Unger, Carrying the Torch Forward Campaign Manager at (661) 310-3345 or sunger@bettzedek.org.
In 1999, Bet Tzedek established an Endowment to help ensure that the doors to the House of Justice stay open for future generations. The goal of the Endowment is to create lasting, permanent programs that will continue to seek and provide justice throughout the 21st Century. If you are interested in becoming an Endowment donor, please contact Vincent Cummings, Vice President, External Affairs, at (323) 549-5813 or vcummings@bettzedek.org.
We are pleased to acknowledge the following donors to the Bet Tzedek Endowment: The Ahmanson Foundation
The Bilger Foundation (In honor of Rose L. Schiff z’’l)
Lara & Randall Kaplan
Lee Lainer (z”l) & Luis Lainer
The Lainer Family Foundation
Bunny Rosenkrantz & Herbert Rosenkrantz (z”l)
The Skirball Foundation
Jean & Jay Abarbanel
Jeffrey Abrams
Sara Adler & James Adler (z”l)
G. Carla Axelrod
Linda & Robert Badal
Margot Bamberger & Henry Bamberger (z”l)
Bunny Wasser (z”l) & Howard Bernstein
Evan A. Braude
Dana & Albert R. Broccoli Foundation
Meryl & Michael Chae
Maren Christensen
Peggy Jo & James Clark
Carol & Jerome Coben
Nancy Sher Cohen & Robert Cohen (z”l)
Valerie A. Cohen
Judi Davidson
Mark T. Drooks
Susan & Scott Edelman
Michael A. Firestein
Wendy & Jason Flom
Angela & Rafael Fogel
Jerry Freisleben
Susan & Alan Friedman
Mark Friedman
The Honorable Terry Friedman (Ret.)
Holly Fujie & Lee Cotugno
Susan Brauneiss & Marc Gamsin
GE Foundation
Edna Glikmann
Sidi Gluck & Peter Gluck (z”l)
Stephanie & Geoffrey Gold
Glenn Gottlieb
Sheba & Howard Grobstein
Marlene Grossman & Marshall Grossman (z”l)
Myna & Uri Herscher
Suzanne & J. Eric Isken
Randi & Richard Jones
Mitchell Kamin & Susan Genco
Charlotte & Stanley Kandel
Ann-Rose & Frank Kaplan
Juli & Jeffrey Kinrich
Marjorie Kinsler (z”l)
Deborah & Phillip Koeffler
Wendy & Stephen Kroft
Beth Becker & David Lash
Dina & Fred Leeds
Laurie Levenson & Douglas Mirell
Lynda & Stan Levy
Peggy & Bernard Lewak
Sanford M. Litvack
Laura & Kevin Marks
Edith Matthai
The Honorable A. Howard Matz and Dr. Jane Balkin Matz
Tanya & Alejandro Mayorkas
The Jacqueline & Harry McMahon
Family Foundation
Louis Meisinger
Marcy & Frank Melton
Linda & Kenneth Millman
Samantha Millman & Brian VanRiper
Linda & Barton Pachino
Cynthia Pasternak & David Pasternak (z”l)
Jesus E. Quiñonez
Linda & Robert Raznick
Shelley Resnick
Gary D. Roberts
Erin & Michael Rotgin
Georgina & Alan Rothenberg
Claudia & Sandor Samuels
Kim & Darryl Schall
Carol Johnson & David Schindler
Ronie M. Schmelz
Chaim Schoen
Toni & John Schulman
Karen Breslow & Robert Schwartz
Lily & Allan Schweitzer
Brette S. Simon
Jeffrey Sklar
Andrea & Glenn Sonnenberg
Samuel M. Soref & Helene K. Soref Foundation
Brian Sun
Tobey Cotsen & Jonathan Victor
Tom Waits
Warner Bros.
Leah Weil
Gail Katz & Bruce Wessel
Wendy & Jay Wintrob
Julie & Michael Woronoff
Bet Tzedek is especially grateful to the numerous foundations, public agencies and municipalities that partner with us and allow us to continue—as well as expand—the vital services that we provide throughout Southern California, and beyond. This support enables the development of unique programmatic models that are the hallmark of Bet Tzedek’s approach.
California Department of Social Services
City of Los Angeles Department of Aging
City of West Hollywood
Los Angeles City Housing Department
Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs
Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity
The State Bar of California
California Department of Children & Family Services
California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services
Fox Family KALB Foundation
The James Irvine Foundation
Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles
Los Angeles County Aging and Disabilities Department
UniHealth Foundation
“History will judge societies and governments—and their institutions— not by how big they are or how well they serve the rich and the powerful, but by how effectively they respond to the needs of the poor and the helpless.”
—César Chávez,
The Nation, March 25, 1978
Alfred E. Mann Charities
Audrey and Sydney Irmas Charitable Foundation
Audrey Irmas Foundation for Social Justice
The Bilger Foundation
California Community Foundation
Cedars-Sinai
City of Beverly Hills
City of Culver City
Eisner Foundation
The Diane P. and Guilford Glazer Foundation
Bank of America
Harold Brown Foundation
Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany
Equal Justice Works
Gang, Tyre, Ramer, Brown & Passman Charity Fund
Nina Abrams Fund
Maria Altmann Family Foundation
The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel Foundation
Dana & Albert R. Broccoli Foundation
Internal Revenue Service
Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles
Lee and Luis Lainer Family Foundation
Los Angeles County Health Services, Medical-Legal Community Partnership LA
Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority
Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles
Ralph M. Parsons Foundation
Michael & Irene Ross Endowment Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles
May & Stanley Smith Charitable Trust
US Bank
The Rosalinde & Arthur Gilbert Foundation
Max Factor Family Foundation
The Erwin Rautenberg Foundation
Ziering Family Foundation
California ChangeLawyers
Joseph Drown Foundation
Help Opportunities and Programs for the Elderly (HOPE)
The Karsh Family Foundation
Pearlman Geller Family Foundation
Anthony and Jeanne Pritzker Family Foundation
Samuel and Helene Soref Foundation
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati Foundation
Wolfen Family Foundation c/o Frazin & Co, CPA
Bet Tzedek thanks the following attorneys, corporations, and law firms for helping direct cy pres funds to the organization. Cy pres uses residual funds from class action settlements to fund free legal services. These funds enable Bet Tzedek to reach thousands of additional clients with assistance in employment rights, consumer law, real estate fraud, foreclosure prevention, elder rights, government benefits, and more.
For more information and materials on how to designate Bet Tzedek for cy pres in your class action, please contact Vincent Cummings, Vice President, External Affairs, at (323) 549-5813 or vcummings@bettzedek.org.
Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo
Baker & Hostetler LLP
Bartz Law Group, APC
Best Best & Krieger LLP
California Health and Human Services Agency
Clark Hill PLC
Cohelan Khoury & Singer
Cole & Van Note
D. Law, Inc.
Fisher & Phillips LLP
Greenberg Traurig LLP
Hammond Law
Professional Corporation
JCL Law Firm, APC
Jose Garay, APLC
Kingsley, Szamet & Ly
Kirkland & Ellis LLP
Lavi & Ebrahimian, LLP
Lawyers For Justice, PC
Lebe Law, APLC
LeBeau Thelen, LLP
Lewis Brisbois
Bisgaard & Smith
Littler Mendelson P.C.
Mahoney Law Group, APC
Majarian Law Group, APC
Mallison & Martinez
Matern Law Group, PC
Melmed Law Group
Moss Bollinger LLP
Musick, Peeler & Garrett LLP
Nelson & Frenkel LLP
Nichols Kaster LLP
Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C.
Pearson Warshaw, LLP
Pollock Cohen LLP
Setareh Law Group
Shanberg Stafford LLP
Sommers Schwartz
The Goldstein Law Firm
The Kaufman Law Firm
The Law Office of Patrick Santos
United Employees Law Group
Younessi Law
Zakay Law Firm
Without pro bono attorneys, paralegals, law students and community volunteers, Bet Tzedek would not have been able to assist the over 60,000 individuals and families who sought legal assistance and guidance in 2024. We are extremely grateful to all the individuals, law firms, and corporate legal departments, organizations and companies that volunteered their services on behalf of our client communities. Their efforts help provide justice to children, women and men who might not have otherwise had access to representation. More than 1,000 pro bono attorneys and other volunteers contributed over 30,800 hours to Bet Tzedek in 2023, valued at nearly $10.5M.
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Sara Levine, Esq. Pro Bono Director at (323) 549-5836 or slevine@bettzedek.org.
20th Century Studios
ACC SoCal
ADR Services
Akerman LLP
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP
Allen Matkins
Nicholas Allis, Esq.
Alston & Bird
Amazon
Amgen Inc
Analysis Group
Arnold & Porter
Ashby & Geddes
AutoDesk
Baker Botts LLP
BakerHostetler
Ballard Spahr LLP
Bank of America
Barnes & Thornburg LLP
Bird Marella LLP
Blank Rome LLP
BNY Mellon
Bocarsly Emden Cowan Esmail & Arndt LLP
BG Law
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP
Buchalter
Capstone Law APC
CBS Viacom
Cooley LLP
Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete, LLP
Covington & Burling LLP
Cozen O’Conner
Crowell & Moring LLP
Danning, Gill, Israel & Krasnoff LLP
Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
Dechert LLP
DLA Piper
Edgeworth Economics
Elkins Kalt Weintraub Reuben Gartside LLP
Ervin Cohen & Jessup LLP
Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
Fenwick & West LLP
Fish and Richarson P.C.
Foley & Lardner LLP
Hon. Terry Feidman (Ret.)
Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP
Glaser Weil LLP
Law Offices of Karina Godoy
Stephanie Gold, Esq.
Goodwin Procter LLP
Law Office of Andrew Gradman
Greenberg Glusker LLP
Greenberg Traurig LLP
Law Office of Murray Greiff
Paul Habibi
Hall Law Group
Hanson Bridgett LLP
Heller & Edwards
Helmer Friedman LLP
Hogan Lovells
Holland & Knight LLP
Hueston Hennigan LLP
Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP
Ray Hsu Law
Irell & Manella LLP
Jackson Lewis P.C.
Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell LLP
Jenner & Block LLP
Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP
Randy Katz
Kellner Law Group PC
Kennerly Lamishaw & Rossi LLP
Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP
King & Spalding LLP
Kirkland & Ellis LLP
Knobbe Martens
Jessie Kornberg, Esq.
Latham & Watkins LLP
Law Office of Lawrence Lebowsky
R.H. Lemorande
Liang Ly LLP
LimNexus LLP
Loeb & Loeb LLP
Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP
Matern Law Group, PC
Mattel
Mayer Brown
McDermott Will & Emery LLP
McGuireWoods
Michelman & Robinson, LLP
Milbank LLP
Miller Barondess LLP
Samantha L. Millman
Mintz
Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP
Morgan Lewis
Morrison & Foerster
Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP
NBCUniversal
Nelson Mullins LLP
Netflix
Nixon Peabody LLP
Norris Law Group, P.C.
Norton Rose Fulbright
O’Melveny & Myers LLP
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffee LLP
Paramount
Paul Hastings LLP
Perkins Coie LLP
Law Offices of Dan Persoff
Polsinelli LLP
Proskauer Rose LLP
Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP
Reed Smith LLP
Robins Kaplan LLP
Rosen Marsili Rapp LLP
Toby Rothschild, Esq.
Sanders Roberts LLP
Seiter Legal Studio
Seyfarth Shaw LLP
Shearman & Sterling LLP
The Sheffied Family
Sheppard Mullin
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
Sklar Kirsh LLP
Southern California Edison
Squire Patton Boggs
Sullivan & Cromwell LLP
Troutman Pepper
Lorena Vazquez, Esq.
The Walt Disney Company
Waymaker LLP
Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP
WilmerHale
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
Winston & Strawn LLP
Sam S. Yebri, Esq.
Anya Zabelina-Harper, Esq.
Cristin Zeisler, Esq.
Zweiback, Fiset & Zaluendo LLP
“
…if he performs one good deed, he has weighted the scales in favour of both himself and of the whole world, and thus brought about salvation both for himself and for all the inhabitants of the world.”
—Rabbi
Maimonides
Ascend to the Rooftop Deck of the Intercontinental Hotel and step into an unforgettable celebration under the stars!
Join us for Bet Tzedek’s Gala After Party, where you can raise a glass to 51 years of justice and compassion.
Starting at 9 pm, keep the party going and reconnect with old friends or network with other members of the LA professional community.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to mingle and enjoy stunning views of the city from the 73rd floor!
The Bet Tzedek New Leadership Council (BTNLC) is a community of passionate, early- and mid-career professionals who serve as ambassadors by raising funds and awareness to support the work of Bet Tzedek. BTNLC provides leadership, service, professional networking, and social opportunities for its members.
Membership benefits include opportunities for both personal and professional growth and connection. BTNLC members also aid in planning events throughout the year that directly benefit community members, like the Rebecca Nichols Symposium.
BTNLC members are an integral component of Bet Tzedek’s volunteer leadership, and their commitment to philanthropy and service help ensure the future success of the organization. The BTNLC includes leaders from an array of professions including law, finance, real estate, entertainment, tech and sales.
To join the growing number of BTNLC members or learn about upcoming events, please contact hello@bettzedek.org.
“Our ultimate objective in learning about anything is to try to create and develop a more just society.”
—Yuri Kochiyama, Passion for Justice
Amazon/MGM Studios
Ervin Cohen & Jessup LLP
Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles
The United Firm | La Liga Defensora, APC
JEWISH FEDERATION LOS ANGELES proudly celebrates our longstanding partnership with Bet Tzedek
applauds tonight’s honorees
GEOFF & STEPHANIE GOLD
Luis Lainer Founder’s Award
ELSA MARIE COLLINS,
Rose L. Schiff Commitment to Justice Award and
DANI K AISERMAN, ESQ.
Jack H. Skirball Community Justice Award
and its noble mission to provide free legal services to those who need them most, upholding a commitment to justice for all. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the exceptional staff and dedicated community volunteers at Bet Tzedek, whose tireless efforts make this transformative work a reality.
We also extend our warmest congratulations to this year’s honorees—Geoff & Stephanie Gold, Elsa Marie Collins, Zoe Winkler Reinis, Yolanda Selene Walther-Meade and Dani Kaiserman—for their outstanding contributions.
Dahlia and Art Bilger
Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP
Geoff and Stephanie Gold
O’Melveny & Myers LLP
US Bank
Our congratulations to Geoff & Stephanie Gold
Elsa Marie Collins, Zoe Winkler Reinis, and
Yolanda Selene Walther-Meade Dani Kaiserman, Esq. and the entire
Bet Tzedek Organization
We are proud to support the Rose L. Schiff
Justice
and this year’s recipients
Elsa Marie Collins,
Zoe Winkler Reinis, and
Yolanda Selene Walther-Meade
Congratulations to Diego, Vincent, & Amy—
We wouldn’t have done it without you!
And congratulations to Elsa Marie Collins, Zoe Winkler Reinis, and
Yolanda Selene Walther-Meade
Co-Founders of This Is About Humanity and Dani Kaiserman, Esq., Bet Tzedek Elder Justice Attorney for their commitment to the ideals of Bet Tzedek and for their work to create a more just Los Angeles
???
Geoff & Stephanie Gold
O’Melveny warmly congratulates tonight ’s honorees for their invaluable commitment to our communit y and their passion for advancing justice.
Luis Lainer Founder’s Award
Elsa Marie Collins, Zoe Winkler Reinis & Yolanda Selene Walther- Meade, Co - Founders of This Is About Humanit y
Dani Kaiserman, Esq. Jack H. Skirball Communit y Justice Award
omm.com
usbank.com/communitypossible
What’s more beautiful than a community working to make a difference? Not much, but coming together to celebrate in style is a close second. When we work together, better things are possible.
U.S. Bank is proud to support the Bet Tzedek 2025 Annual Gala.
usbank.com/communitypossible
U.S. Bank strives to make a positive impact in the community. That’s why we support community events that bring us together for the greater good. When we work together, anything is possible.
U.S. Bank is proud to support the Bet Tzedek 2025 Annual Gala.
Visit one of our local branch locations or find us online at usbank.com.
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP
Bird, Marella, Rhow, Lincenberg, Drooks & Nessim LLP
Karla and Richard Chernick
Gang, Tyre, Ramer, Brown & Passman Charity Fund
Luis Lainer
Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP
Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP
Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
joins Bet Tzedek in honoring Geoff & Stephanie Gold
Elsa Marie Collins, Zoe Winkler Reinis, and Yolanda Selene Walther-Meade Dani Kaiserman, Esq. may the doors of the house of justice always remain open.
Congratulations to all of our incredibly talented, accomplished, impactful and dedicated honorees.
Geoff & Stephanie Gold
Luis Lainer Founder’s Award
Elsa Marie Collins, Zoe Winkler Reinis, and Yolanda Selene Walther-Meade
Co-Founders of This Is About Humanity
Rose L. Schiff Commitment to Justice Award
Dani Kaiserman, Esq.
Jack H. Skirball Community Justice Award
With immense gratitude,
Dani
www.sheppardmullin.com
Alfred E. Mann Charities
Covington & Burling LLP
Crowell & Moring LLP
DLA Piper LLP (US)
Edison International
Elise Karl and Terry Friedman
Greines, Martin, Stein & Richland LLP
Hueston Hennigan LLP
Irell & Manella Foundation
King & Spalding LLP
Peggy and Bernard Lewak
Linda and Kenneth Millman
Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones LLP
Paul Hastings LLP
Perkins Coie LLP
Sony Pictures Entertainment
This Is About Humanity
Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
Wilson Sonsini
Goodrich & Rosati Foundation
Congratulations to the Honorees: Geo & Stephanie Gold
Elsa Marie Collins, Zoe Winkler Reinis & Yolanda Selene Walther-Meade
Dani Kaiserman, Esq.
ank you for all that you do for our community
We are honored to support Bet Tzedek which does so much to better the lives of so many.
Michael Dreyer, Anoosheh Bostani, Claude Mann
Covington is proud to support
We congratulate honorees
Geoff and Stephanie Gold
Luis Lainer Founder’s Award
Elsa Marie Collins, Zoe Winkler Reinis, and Yolanda Selene Walther-Meade
Co-Founders of This Is About Humanity
Rose L. Schiff Commitment to Justice Award
Dani Kaiserman, Esq.
Jack H. Skirball Community Justice Award
We are proud to support Bet Tzedek and its 2025 Annual Dinner Gala
Congratulations to the honorees:
Geoff & Stephanie Gold
Luis Lainer Founder’s Award
Elsa Marie Collins, Zoe Winkler Reinis, and Yolanda
Selene Walther-Meade; Co-Founders of This Is About Humanity
Rose L. Schiff Commitment to Justice Award
Dani Kaiserman, Esq.
Jack H. Skirball Community Justice Award
Congratulations to Geoff & Stephanie for your dedicated service to Bet Tzedek
Thank you to This Is About Humanity for your philanthropic leadership in Los Angeles Mazel tov to Dani Kaiserman for your outstanding advocacy on behalf of Bet Tzedek’s Senior Clients and
Thank you to all Bet Tzedek Staff, Volunteers and Donors for your support every day and every year
Elise Karl & Terry Friedman
Hueston Hennigan is proud to sponsor
Congratulations to
Geoff & Stephanie Gold
Luis Lainer Founder’s Award
Elsa Marie Collins, Zoe Winkler Reinis & Yolanda Selene Walther-Meade
Co-Founders of This Is About Humanity
Rose L. Schiff Commitment to Justice Award
Dani Kaiserman, Esq.
Jack H. Skirball Community Justice Award
King & Spalding proudly supports Bet Tzedek’s 2025 Annual Dinner Gala. We join in congratulating this year’s honorees.
Congratulations to tonight’s honorees: Geoff & Stephanie Gold
Luis Lainer Founder’s Award
Elsa Marie Collins, Zoe Winkler Reinis, and Yolanda Selene Walther-Meade
Co-Founders of This Is About Humanity
Rose L. Schiff Commitment to Justice Award
Dani Kaiserman, Esq.
Jack H. Skirball Community Justice Award for their involvement in and dedication to Bet Tzedek and the Los Angeles community.
And a very special shoutout to Samantha Millman, Board Chair of Bet Tzedek. Her energy, creativity, and foresight never cease to amaze us!
Our love, Peggy and Bernard Lewak and Family
Geoff & Stephanie Gold Elsa Marie Collins, Zoe Winkler Reinis, and
Yolanda Selene Walther-Meade Dani Kaiserman, Esq. and to the Bet Tzedek Staff for their dedication and commitment to bring justice to those in need. It is a pleasure to be associated with Bet Tzedek.
Linda & Kenneth Millman
Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz
Blank Rome LLP
Linda Burrow and John Horn
Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
Helmer Friedman LLP
HKA
Hogan Lovells LLP
Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP
Proskauer Rose LLP
Ropes & Gray LLP
Karen Breslow and Robert Schwartz
The Sidley Austin Foundation
We proudly support BET TZEDEK and congratulate tonight’s honorees!
J Linda Burrow and John Horn
HKA proudly supports Bet Tzedek and salutes the 2025 Annual Dinner
Geoff and Stephanie Gold
2025 Luis Lainer Founder’s Award
Elsa Marie Collins, Zoe Winkler Reinis, and Yolanda Selene Walther-Meade, co-founders of This Is About Humanity
2025 Rose L. Schiff Commitment to Justice Award
Dani Kaiserman, Esq.
2025 Jack H. Skirball Community Justice Award
Hogan Lovells is pleased to support Bet Tzedek’s mission of justice for all and congratulates tonight’s honorees for this well-deserved recognition.
Hogan Lovells U.S. LLP
Ropes & Gray is a proud sponsor of Bet Tzedek’s 2025 Dinner Gala
We salute tonight’s honorees
GEOFF & STEPHANIE GOLD
ELSA MARIE COLLINS, ZOE WINKLER REINIS, AND
YOLANDA SELENE WALTHER-MEADE
DANI KAISERMAN, ESQ.
C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s
a n d t h a n k s t o
G e o f f & S t e p h a n i e G o l d
E l s a M a r i e C o l l i n s ,
Z o e W i n k l e r R e i n i s , a n d
Y o l a n d a S e l e n e W a l t h e r - M e a d e
D a n i K a i s e r m a n , E S Q .
f o r y o u r g e n e r o u s e f f o r t s
a n d c o n t r i b u t i o n s
t o o u r c o m m u n i t y
K a r e n B r e s l o w
B o b b y S c h w a r t z
THE SIDLEY AUSTIN FOUNDATION and PARTNERS OF SIDLEY AUSTIN LLP
ARE PROUD TO SUPPORT
WE VALUE BET TZEDEK’S ADVOCACY FOR EQUAL JUSTICE WITHIN THE COURTROOM AND COMMUNITY. CONGRATULATIONS TO THE EVENING’S HONOREES:
Geoff & Stephanie Gold
Dani Kaiserman, Esq.
Elsa Marie Collins, Zoe Winkler Reinis and Yolanda Selene Walther-Meade
The Sidley Austin Foundation is funded solely by Sidley Austin LLP, an international law firm, to further the firm’s commitment to the community and to public service. MN-25839
1st Century Bank
ADR Services Inc
Allen Matkins Leck Gamble
Mallory & Natsis LLP
Analysis Group
Baker McKenzie
Bank of America
Howard M. Bernstein
Meryl and Michael Chae
Faegre Drinker
Biddle & Reath LLP
Glaser Weil Fink Howard Avchen & Shapiro, LLP
Greenberg Glusker
Interior Removal Specialist, Inc.
Suzanne and Eric Isken
Jeffer Mangels
Butler & Mitchell LLP
Jenner & Block LLP
Randi and Richard Jones
Charlotte and Stanley Kandel
Kendall Brill & Kelly LLP
Kiesel Law LLP
Kirkland & Ellis LLP
The Kornberg Family
The Kramer Family
Lathrop GPM LLP
Fred and Dina Leeds
Liang Ly LLP
Loeb & Loeb LLP
Laura and Kevin Marks
Mayer Brown LLP
McDermott, Will & Emery LLP
The Menenberg Family
Linda and David Michaelson
Samantha Millman and Brian VanRiper
Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP
Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP
Murphy Rosen LLP
The Namvar Families
Novian & Novian LLP
Claudia and Sandy Samuels
Carol Johnson and David Schindler
Randy and Pam Schoenberg
Seyfarth Shaw LLP
Ellen and Dan Shallman
Signature Resolution
Kelly and Matthew Sloan
Andrea and Glenn Sonnenberg
Samuel and Helene Soref Foundation
TroyGould, P.C.
Venable LLP
WilmerHale LLP
Suzanne Wilson
IS PROUD TO SUPPORT & JOIN
IN HONORING ITS CONTINUED EFFORTS TO PROVIDE FREE LEGAL SERVICES TO THOSE WHO NEED THEM MOST.
We congratulate
Geoff & Stephanie Gold Luis Lainer Founder’s Award
Elsa Marie Collins, Zoe Winkler Reinis, Yolanda Selene Walther-Meade Rose L. Schiff Commitment to Justice Award
Dani Kaiserman, Esq.
Jack H. Skirball Community Justice Award for their commitment to the ideals of Bet Tzedek
You’re an inspiration to us all
Bet Tzedek is making a difference in our neighborhood.
Helping the local economy thrive is just one of the many positive attributes you bring to our area. Extending your abilities and resources to the community through service and other initiatives makes you a true leader.
We’re proud to work with Bet Tzedek. Visit us at bankofamerica.com/about.
In loving memory of Bunny M. Wasser and in honor and recognition of all those who created, supported and nurtured Bet Tzedek since 1974 to today. Well done!
Howard M. Bernstein
Congratulations and thank you to Bet Tzedek,
Geoff & Stephanie Gold,
Elsa Marie Collins,
Zoe Winkler Reinis, and
Yolanda Selene Walther-Meade,
Co-Founders of
This Is About Humanity, and Dani Kaiserman.
Meryl & Michael Chae
1
Suzanne and Eric Isken are proud to support Bet Tzedek and congratulate all of tonight’s honorees.
1
Jenner & Block is proud to support Bet Tzedek in its tireless efforts to provide access to justice to the most vulnerable members of our community.
We salute this year’s award winners.
Richard and Randi Jones salute Bet Tzedek for the wonderful work they do in our community.
Congratulations to tonight’s worthy honorees and a special shout out to GEOFF for his many years of active leadership as a dedicated board member of Bet Tzedek.
With Gratitude, Charlotte and Stanley Kandel
is proud to support Bet Tzedek and congratulates
Geoff & Stephanie Gold
2025 Luis Lainer Founders Award
Elsa Marie Collins, Zoe Winkler Reinis, and
Yolanda Selene Walther-Meade
Cofounders of This Is About Humanity
2025 Rose L. Schiff Commitment to Justice Award
Dani Kaiserman, Esq.
2025 Jack H. Skirball Community Justice Award
Kirkland & Ellis is proud to sponsor
and congratulates honorees
Geoff & Stephanie Gold
Luis Lainer Founder’s Award
Elsa Marie Collins, Zoe Winkler Reinis, and Yolanda Selene Walther-Meade Co-Founders of This Is About Humanity
Rose L. Schiff Commitment to Justice Award
Dani Kaiserman, Esq.
Jack H. Skirball Community Justice Award
www.kirkland.com/probono
Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.
—Theodore Roosevelt
Congratulations and appreciation to this evening’s honorees.
Jessie Kornberg & Aaron Lowenstein
Congratulations to tonight’s honorees:
Geoff & Stephanie Gold
Elsa Marie Collins, Zoe Winkler Reinis, and Yolanda Selene Walther-Meade Co-Founders of This Is About Humanity
Dani Kaiserman, Esq.
Your work for Bet Tzedek improves the lives of so many.
Thank you to Bet Tzedek Board Chair Samantha Millman for all her time and effort on behalf of Bet Tzedek.
Nancy, Brian, and Gary Kramer
Congratulations to tonight’s worthy honorees and to Bet Tzedek for its continued commitment to making our community more just.
This year, we are honoring the following:
Our Dear Friends Geoff & Stephanie Gold with the Luis Lainer Founder’s Award
Elsa Marie Collins, Zoe Winkler Reinis, and Yolanda Selene Walther-Meade, Co-Founders of This Is About Humanity, with the Rose L. Schiff Commitment to Justice Award
Dani Kaiserman, Esq. with the Jack H. Skirball Community Justice Award
Here’s to an evening of impact and to many more in the fight for justice.
Fred and Dina Leeds
Liang Ly LLP is proud to celebrate Bet Tzedek’s 2025 Dinner Gala.
Congratulations to Geoff & Stephanie Gold, Elsa Marie Collins, Zoe Winkler Reinis, and Yolanda Selene Walther-Meade Co-Founders of This Is About Humanity, and Dani Kaiserman, Esq. for their well-deserved awards.
For more than 2 0 years , Lo eb & Lo eb has proudl y par tnere d
wi th Be t Tze dek .
We remain committed to advanc ing it s mis sion to provide free le gal ser vices and representation to more than 90,000 backgrounds , religious belie fs , immigrant statuses and gender identitie s each year. We commend tonight ’s honoree s for their long-standing histor y of soc ial ac tivism, commitment to philanthropy, and exemplar y leadership within the communit y and be yond.
thank you
geoff & stephanie gold
elsa marie collins, zoe winkler reinis, and yolanda selene walther-meade
dani kaiserman, esq. for bringing justice to those who need it most. kevin and laura marks serving bet tzedek since 1980
We are proud to sponsor the Bet Tzedek 2025 Annual Dinner Gala and to join in honoring this year’s award recipients— your passion is extraordinary, and your contributions are meaningful.
Congratulations!
Geoff & Stephanie Gold
Elsa Marie Collins, Zoe Winkler Reinis, and Yolanda Selene Walther-Meade
Dani Kaiserman, Esq.
The Menenberg Family is proud to support Bet Tzedek and congratulates tonight’s honorees for their work in the pursuit of justice for all in need.
Our warmest congratulations to our honorees on this well-deserved recognition
Geoff & Stephanie Gold
2025 Luis Lainer Founder’s Award
Elsa Marie Collins, Zoe Winkler Reinis & Yolanda Selene Walther-Meade
2025 Rose L. Schiff Commitment to Justice Award
Dani Kaiserman, Esq.
2025 Jack H. Skirball Community Justice Award
We are proud to support Bet Tzedek and its commitment to Justice for All.
~ Linda and David Michaelson
Justice isn’t inevitable.
It is forged by those who take action, stand up, and fight for what is right.
Geoff and Stephanie Gold, Elsa Marie Collins, Zoe Winkler Reinis, and Yolanda Selene Walther-Meade and Dani Kaiserman:
You are being honored tonight because of your steadfast commitment to creating a more just world. We congratulate you, we celebrate you and we thank you.
Tonight, we raise our glasses to you and to all of Bet Tzedek’s committed staff and volunteers.
It is an honor to walk alongside you in this work.
Samantha Millman and Brian VanRiper
Dear Geoff and Stephanie, Congratulations on this well-deserved honor
Congratulations to Bet Tzedek and the thousands of staff members and volunteers who have provided free legal services to the poor, the elderly, the needy and to Holocaust survivors for more than fifty years.
I recall the heartfelt thanks of several garment workers years ago whose stolen wages were recovered by Bet Tzedek staff and volunteers, and who said on camera to a previous Bet Tzedek dinner audience, “Muchas Gracias, Bet Tzedek.”
May the vital work of Bet Tzedek continue for decades to come.
And Mazal Tov to all of this year’s honorees!
Much love and respect,
Sandy & Claudia Samuels
“A nation’s greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members.”
Mahatma Gandhi
Congratulations to the Golds and to all of tonight’s honorees.
We are proud to support the hard working team at Bet Tzedek, who fight for the weakest amongst us, day in and day out.
David Schindler and Carol Johnson
Ellen and Dan Shallman
warmly congratulate Geoff & Stephanie Gold
Elsa Marie Collins, Zoe Winkler Reinis, and
Yolanda Selene Walther-Meade Co-Founders of This Is About Humanity and Dani Kaiserman, Esq.
We are proud to support Bet Tzedek and congratulate Geoff and Stephanie Gold on receiving the 2025 Luis Lainer Founder’s Award.
Matt and Kelly Sloan
We proudly support Bet Tzedek and honor those who contribute to the pursuit of justice for all.
Congratulations to Diego Cartagena on his extraordinary leadership and direction.
Andrea & Glenn Sonnenberg and
Tzedek, Tzedek Tirdof “Justice, justice you shall pursue”
—Deuteronomy 16:18
Congratulations to Bet Tzedek Legal Services and its leadership, staff, board members, and honorees on the 2025 Annual Dinner Gala and a special mazel tov to our friends
Geoff & Stephanie Gold
Luis Lainer Founder’s Award
Samuel and Helene Soref Foundation
Jeffrey I. Abrams and Michele Breslauer
Irma and Benjamin Breslauer
Alan and Stephanie Breslauer
We are pleased to join Bet Tzedek in saluting this year’s honorees:
Geoff and Stephanie Gold
Luis Lainer Founder’s Award
Elsa Marie Collins
Zoe Winkler Reinis
Yolanda Selene Walther-Meade
Co-Founders of This Is About Humanity
Rose L. Schiff Commitment to Justice Award
Dani Kaiserman, Esq.
Jack H. Skirball Community Justice Award
We congratulate them for their unparalleled efforts to secure equal justice for all.
“Memories
—Rosa Parks
WilmerHale is proud to support Bet Tzedek’s 2025 Annual Dinner Gala. We commend Bet Tzedek’s commitment to providing legal resources and advocacy for communities facing discrimination and marginalization across Los Angeles County.
wilmerhale.com
© 2025 Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr llp
Suzy Wilson proudly supports Bet Tzedek and congratulates tonight’s honorees
HOWARD BANCHIK
Rose L. Schiff
Elsa Marie Collins
Zoe Winkler Reinis
Yolanda Selene Walther-Meade
Justice is Truth in Action.
—Benjamin Disraeli
The Family of Rose L. Schiff
Jane Bilger and Andrew Philipsborn
Laurie Bilger and Eli Epstein
Dahlia and Arthur Bilger
Thank you, Bet Tzedek for all you do!
Lawrence M. Braun
We’re so proud of you.
Love, Mom and Dad
Mazel tov, Geoff and Steph!
I am so proud of you.
Love, Dad
Leslie, Greg, and Edward Helmer, M.D. are proud to support Bet Tzedek and congratulate Geoff & Stephanie Gold.
We are honored to join in recognizing the resiliency of our client communities and appreciating those who so selflessly serve: Bet Tzedek’s remarkable staff and volunteers.
Thank you all, Mitch & Susan
An act of injustice is condemned not because a law has been broken, but because a person has been hurt.
—Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel
We honor all our Awardees.
Stan and Lynda Levy
Neal and Gina Marder are proud to support Bet Tzedek and grateful for the contributions of this year’s remarkable honorees.
We celebrate and admire your advocacy and dedication to Bet Tzedek and the greater community.
Mazal Tov on receiving the well deserved 2025 Luis Lainer Founder’s Award. We’re so proud of you!
Our love, Julie Monkarsh Gadinsky and Larry Froch
Jonah and Isaac Gadinsky
Heidi and Jon Monkarsh
Briana and Jeffrey Benaron, Jagger and Liel
Mia and Russell Monkarsh
We are proud to support
Congratulations to this year’s honorees:
Geoff and Stephanie Gold
Luis Lainer Founder’s Award
Elsa Marie Collins, Zoe Winkler Reinis, and Yolanda Selene Walther-Meade
Co-Founders of This Is About Humanity
Rose L. Schiff Commitment to Justice Award
Dani Kaiserman, Esq.
Jack H. Skirball Community Justice Award
Congratulations and thanks to all of the honorees on account of your commitment to justice for all in our community.
`
Dr. Lise F. Spiegel and Bennett L. Spiegel
“ We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”
—Winston Churchill
Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who gives so much in support of the vital work of Bet Tzedek— our extraordinary staff, pro bono attorneys and volunteers and each and every donor.
& Barbara and Adam Umanoff
“Never forget that justice is what love looks like in public.”
Dr. Cornel West
Thank you to everyone at Bet Tzedek for their endless dedication to justice and service to the community. We are proud to support their mission in legal advocacy for all individuals and families in need.
Congratulations to Stephanie and Geoff Gold on being honored with the 2025 Luis Lainer Founder’s Award.
We are so impressed with your dedication to Bet Tzedek and tikkun olam. You make the world a better place. We cherish our friendship.
Congratulations to Elsa Marie Collins, Zoe Winkler Reinis, and Yolanda Selene Walther-Meade and This Is About Humanity, on being honored with the 2025 Rose L. Schiff Commitment to Justice Award.
Congratulations to Dani Kaiserman, Bet Tzedek Elder Justice attorney, on being honored with the 2025 Jack H. Skirball Community Justice Award.
Allison & Bennett Rosenthal
THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK AND VISION OF PROVIDING ACCESS TO JUSTICE FOR ALL
Susan and Scott Edelman congratulate tonight’s honorees
Geoff & Stephanie Gold
Elsa Marie Collins, Zoe Winkler Reinis, and Yolanda Selene Walther-Meade
Co-Founders of This Is About Humanity
Dani Kaiserman, Esq.
Congratulations and thanks to Geoff and Stephanie, Dani Kaiserman and the entire Bet Tzedek staff for the extraordinary work you do in our LA community.
Frank and Marcy Melton
Erin and Michael Rotgin are proud to support Bet Tzedek and congratulate all of tonight’s honorees: Geoff & Stephanie Gold Elsa Marie Collins, Zoe Winkler Reinis, and Yolanda Selene Walther-Meade
Co-Founders of This Is About Humanity Dani Kaiserman, Esq.
We
celebrate Bet Tzedek’s commitment to justice for all.
u
Friends of Bet Tzedek
We salute Geoff & Stephanie Gold, Elsa Marie Collins, Zoe Winkler Reinis, and Yolanda Selene Walther-Meade Co-Founders of This Is About Humanity and Dani Kaiserman, Esq. for their leadership and commitment to justice for all!
Jay and Jean Abarbanel
With gratitude to Geoff & Stephanie Gold,
Elsa Marie Collins, Zoe Winkler Reinis, and Yolanda Selene Walther-Meade, Co-Founders of
and
Dani Kaiserman, Esq.
for all they have done for Bet Tzedek.
Robert & Linda Badal
Mazal tov to Stephanie and Geoff for this wonderful honor, and todah rabah to our friend and hero Luis for starting it all!
Mazal tov, too, to Zoe, Elsa, Yolanda and Dani!
Lirona
Kadosh and Ethan Goldstine
Ann-Rose and Frank Kaplan congratulate this year’s Bet Tzedek honorees.
Our Congratulations to Geoff and Stephanie Gold on your well-deserved honor
Your generosity of time, talent and treasure is inspiring.
Alisa and Craig Karlan
Congratulations to tonight’s honorees and thank you to Bet Tzedek Board Chair Samantha Millman for all her time and effort on behalf of Bet Tzedek.
Brian, Emily, and Keri Kramer
Congratulations to Bet Tzedek and all of their 2025 honorees for providing outstanding legal services to those who need them most.
Gary & Sheryl Kramer
To Diego Cartagena and the staff of Bet Tzedek, thank you for all you are doing, your leadership, your heart and soul, and your talent are so vital to so many, saving lives and saving hope.
Thank you to our friends Stephanie and Geoff Gold, your dedication to Bet Tzedek over all these years has been remarkable. And congratulations to Dani Kaiserman and the founders of This Is About Humanity, we are so admiring of all you do.
L’chaim, Beth Becker and David Lash
is proud to support
Bet Tzedek and congratulates tonight’s honorees
Geoff & Stephanie Gold
2025 Luis Lainer Founder’s Award
Elsa Marie Collins, Zoe Winkler Reinis, and Yolanda Selene Walther-Meade Co-Founders of This Is About Humanity
2025 Rose L. Schiff Commitment to Justice Award
Dani Kaiserman, Esq.
2025 Jack H. Skirball Community Justice Award
for its decades of extraordinary legal and humanitarian service to our community and beyond.
Congratulations to this evening’s honorees.
A special mazal tov to Geoff and Stephanie Gold for being acknowledged by Bet Tzedek for their many years of dedication and support of the organization. May you go from strength to strength.
Elizabeth & Michael Soroudi
Congratulations to Stephanie and Geoff Gold
2025 Luis Lainer Founder’s Award
Recipients
Your compassion and huge hearts are truly inspirational!
Melinda and Scott Tamkin
Tamkin Real Estate Group
proudly supports the inspiring and indispensable work of and celebrates those who make that work possible— our extraordinary donors, staff, and pro bono attorneys and volunteers.
It is not your responsibility to finish the work of perfecting the world, but you are not free to desist from it either.
—Pirkei Avot (Ethics of our Fathers)
Sam S. Yebri Alexander M. Merino
Congratulations to one of the best trial lawyers in Los Angeles and my colleague, Geoff Gold—and Stephanie, too!
Geoff and Stephanie, the great work you do for Bet Tzedek is a true inspiration.
David B. Felsenthal felsenthal law firm
Congratulations to all of tonight’s honorees and to Bet Tzedek for all the amazing work and service to the community.
Congratulations to the honorees, Geoff & Stephanie Gold!
Wishing nothing but further success to them and the rest of the Bet Tzedek Team!
Chris Kampitsis and The SKG Team
We are honored to celebrate STEPHANIE AND GEOFF GOLD’S unwavering dedication to justice and their deep commitment to Bet Tzedek.
We are truly inspired by their passion, leadership, and steadfast devotion to making a difference in the community.
With much admiration, Mariel and Andy Katz
Geoff & Stephanie Gold Dani Kaiserman, Esq.
Elsa Marie Collins, Zoe Winkler Reinis, and Yolanda Selene Walther-Meade
Co-Founders of This Is About Humanity
Mazel Tov, Stephanie and Geoff!
Your passionate dedication to justice is a blessing to our community and makes Los Angeles a better place.
We are proud to be your friends!
With much love and admiration, Marcia and Doug Mankoff Congratulations to Bet Tzedek and all its worthy honorees. Wishing you much success as you continue your good work in the community!
Gail and Fred Rollman
Congratulations on this wonderful and well-earned honor!
We are proud of you!
With love,
Brett D. Shurman, M.D.
Tzedek Tzedek Tirdof—
Justice Justice You Shall Pursue
Stephanie and Geoff,
Your Sinai Temple family is proud to honor you in the ways in which you bring to the world more light, justice, and peace.
The Sinai Temple Clergy and Board of Directors
Yolanda
Your support illuminates countless lives, and the pursuit of justice— tzedek tzedek tirdof— remains our North Star. We want you to join our Carry the Torch Forward Campaign, amplifying our impact and expanding our reach for the next 50 years!
Please contact Susan Unger at sunger@bettzedek.org to learn how you can get involved.
To achieve equitable justice for all, Bet Tzedek offers free legal services, education, and advocacy.
We integrate these efforts with strategic partnerships across Los Angeles and beyond, working together to create meaningful change for both individuals and our communities.
bettzedek.org