The WV Association of Counties received a Bar Foundation grant for its documentary film concerning the county courthouses in the State’s fifty five counties. Presenting the grant was WVBF President John Tinney of Charleston, on the left, and accepting the grant was Patti Hamilton, the Executive Director of the Association.
The WV Association of Counties received a Bar Foundation grant for its documentary film concerning the county courthouses in the State’s fifty five counties. Presenting the grant was WVBF President John Tinney of Charleston, on the left, and accepting the grant was Patti Hamilton, the Executive Director of the Association.

GRANTS PROGRAM

The West Virginia Bar Foundation’s Grants Program continues to provide necessary funding for worthwhile organizations throughout the state that improve the administration of justice and the provision of legal services for our citizens. The Bar Foundation’s Board of Directors, consisting of fifteen lawyers from all parts of WV and all types of law practice, has deepened its strong commitment in this area by increasing the amount of money set aside in its budget for the current July 1, 2009-June 30, 2010 fiscal year. The grant application form and  the list of grantees are located on the Bar Foundation’s website—-www.wvbarfoundation.org—- in addition to lots more facts and information about the Bar Foundation. Grant applications are reviewed by the Grants Committee and the Board of Directors at their quarterly meetings.

BAR FOUNDATION MEMBERSHIP

At the end of June, all active practicing lawyers in WV received the dues membership notice, as well as information regarding the IOLTA program, in a Bar Foundation mailing. The Annual Membership Dues remain the same ($50) and the Lifetime Membership Dues have not changed ($500). The Membership Dues are utilized for the ongoing operation of the Bar Foundation, including the administration of the Interest on Lawyer Trust Accounts (IOLTA) program, the ownership of the State Bar Center and Lawyer Disciplinary Board facilities, the Bar Foundation Fellows program, the Citizen and Lawyer of the Year Awards, the website, the twice monthly Bar Foundation Brief email communications and more planned activities. Please renew your membership or become a new member of the WV Bar Foundation—the philanthropic organization for West Virginia’s legal profession and justice system.

HUNGER ACTION

Hunger has long been a critical issue in our state and West Virginians have an opportunity to help fight the issue through a statewide canned food drive this month. September is Hunger Action Month, a nationwide effort to mobilize people to get involved in ending hunger in America. As a result of the Serve America Act signed earlier this year by President Obama, September 11 is officially a National Day of Service and Remembrance as part of the new United We Serve initiative. The initiative encourages everyone throughout the nation to become civically engaged through volunteerism. Individuals, private sector businesses, labor and nonprofit organizations, and business and professional associations are encouraged to participate in a statewide food drive, which will culminate on September 11.  According to Bread for the World’s hunger statistics, “35.5 million people—including 12.6 million children—live in households that experience hunger or the risk of hunger. This represents more than one in ten households in the United States.”  Businesses, individuals, and organizations in the Mountain State are encouraged to organize food drives as part of the effort. Participants can deliver food to drop-off locations on September 11. Multiple sites, including Wal-Mart, Weis Markets and AT&T stores, will serve as collection points.  For a full list of drop-off locations, visit www.volunteerwv.org.