In December 2023, The Florida Bar Foundation changed its name to FFLA. Posts prior to this date contain our former name.
In June, The Florida Bar Family Law Section donated $75,000 to the Foundation’s Children’s Legal Services grant program. Since 2012, the section has donated $650,000 to support legal aid efforts that provide legal services to children including those in foster care, and those who have been abused, neglected or trafficked.
Outgoing Family Law Section Chair Magistrate Phil Wartenberg presented the check to Foundation President Hon. Suzanne Van Wyk and Executive Director Donny MacKenzie during The Florida Bar Annual Convention in Boca Raton.
Members of The Florida Bar Family Law Section, including section Chair Philip S. Wartenberg (holding check on right), presented a donation of $75,000 to Foundation President Suzanne Van Wyk, Executive Director Donny MacKenzie and other board members at The Florida Bar’s Annual Convention in June.
“We’re immensely proud of our partnership with the Foundation, and we’re deeply grateful for the support of our section members who help make this possible, year after year,” Wartenberg said.
The Foundation received $21,590 as a cy pres award recently. When class action settlements have unclaimed funds remaining after distribution, courts can direct the funds to charitable organizations.
Class action representatives brought a case against Gold Crown Resort Marketing, Inc. for a deceptive, unfair and unconscionable business practice of disclaiming their ‘Membership Agreements’, and won. The unclaimed funds were donated to the Foundation. The plaintiff’s lawyers were Christopher T. Hill and Steven R. Main of Hill, Rugh, Keller & Main P.L. The defendant’s lawyers were David A. Shontz and Jake Monk of Shutts & Bowen LLP.
Finally, Terra Cotta Golf Charities donated $10,000 to Children’s Legal Services. The gift was facilitated by John P. Cardillo, president of Terra Cotta Golf Charities, and former Foundation board member.
“These proceeds are the result of the efforts of the Terra Cotta National Amateur Golf Tournament Committee and the members and staff of Naples National Golf Club for the tournament held this past April,” said Cardillo.
According to their website, Terra Cotta Charities Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charity that conducts the Terra Cotta Invitational Golf Tournament and invites the best amateur golfers in the world to participate at the Naples National Golf Club each year. The net proceeds generated are donated to local charities benefitting children. The donations come primarily from Naples National Members and golf business sponsors.
