Aktuality
16 Jul 2008
DLA Piper donates 283 Sparks tickets to the Academy of Business Leadership
Sparks Guard Kiesha Brown and DLA Piper lawyers provide pre-game inspiration to low income and at-risk youth
Tiskové prohlášení
(Los Angeles) – DLA Piper announced today that it has donated 283 tickets to tonight's Los Angeles Sparks WNBA game against San Antonio to the Academy of Business Leadership (ABL), a dynamic and innovative social entrepreneurial venture that is at the forefront of providing business and leadership education to underserved youth in Southern California.
The donation is a part of the greater commitment that DLA Piper has made to provide pro bono support to the ABL, an organization committed to improving the futures of minority and at-risk youth throughout the region. DLA Piper will also be providing office space to ABL volunteers throughout the summer, lending legal support and counsel on various ABL initiatives and having several of its lawyers mentor participants in ABL programs through speaking and workshop engagements.
“DLA Piper is always looking to collaborate with organizations, like the Academy of Business Leadership, that reflect our values as a firm,” said Michael Meyer, Managing Partner of DLA Piper’s Los Angeles offices. “The ABL recognizes raw talent and leadership wherever it might be found, the importance of nurturing that talent, and the difference that inspiration and mentorship can make in a person’s life. Since those are some of the attributes we look for in our own lawyers, given the right tools today, these kids could be whatever they want to be-- even the new DLA Piper associates of tomorrow.”
Tonight’s ticket donation will be enjoyed by 126 students, 111 parents and 48 ABL staff members. Prior to the game, the group will get a chance to watch a practice session and meet some of the players. DLA Piper lawyers also in attendance, as well as Sparks player Kiesha Brown, will then address the students directly to provide inspirational remarks and advice for the future.
“The ABL does a tremendous job of showing minority and low-income students that regardless of background or circumstances, there can be a bright and rewarding future ahead,” said DLA Piper’s Karol Denniston, head of DLA Piper’s West Coast finance practice and one of the partners spearheading the partnership with ABL. “These are all great kids with a lot of spunk and terrific energy. I’m really pleased we have partnered with ABL to help these students realize their potential.”
Adds Anna Ouroumian, President and CEO of ABL, “We are excited about DLA Piper’s leadership and commitment to provide high level support to help set up ABL’s legal infrastructure, which will facilitate our national and international expansion. DLA Piper is an important partner in our mission to create ‘leaders now instead of 20 years from now.’ These students will walk away this summer knowing that they are the future of our country and will return home empowered with the skills to uplift and build prosperity for themselves, their families, our country, and the world.”
In the coming year, DLA Piper will continue its association with the WNBA with plans to collaborate on a law firm challenge in which various Los Angeles law firms will be asked to host events like this one for worthwhile inner city programs in conjunction with the Sparks organization and its players.
About the Academy of Business Leadership (
www.goabl.org)
The Academy of Business Leadership (ABL) is a dynamic and innovative social entrepreneurial venture that is at the forefront of providing business and leadership education to underserved youth in Southern California. ABL strives to bridge the economic and educational divide among minority and low-income students. In conjunction with its extensive corporate partners and collaboration with local universities, high schools, and entrepreneurs, ABL has enriched and impacted the lives of more than 80,000 high potential, low opportunity students throughout the region.