Philadelphia Bar Foundation
Board of Trustees Meeting
March 4, 2014
Morgan Lewis
Trustees: Deborah Gross (President), Steve Bizar (Vice President), Leslie John (Secretary),
Wilson Brown (Assistant Secretary), Tom Brophy (Treasurer), Michael Adler,
Meredith Auten, Wendy Beetlestone, Edward Biester, Linsey Bozzelli, Rick Cantor,
Ed Chacker, Al Dandridge, Amy Ginensky, Robert Hart, Stephen Raynes, Nilam
Sanghvi, Roberta Torian, Brennan Torregrossa, Larry Walker, Mark Tarasiewicz,
Doug Kreitzberg
BOPs:
Staff:
I.
Jason DiNapoli, Cynthia Stavrakis
Jessica Hilburn-Holmes, Cecelia Driscoll, Susan Knight
Welcome & President’s Remarks
Debbie welcomed and thanked everyone for attending our meeting. She then
introduced Eileen Heisman, President and CEO of National Philanthropic Trust.
II.
Presentation-Understanding Private Philanthropy in the US
Eileen Heisman gave a Power Point presentation and spoke about key issues in
philanthropy. Using information from Giving USA Foundation, she talked about
contributions that were made in 2012 and gave a breakdown of the types of
organizations that have received those contributions. Also discussed were the types of
campaigns that people give to most and why it is important to have a Case for Support,
a fundraising plan, appropriate budget and resources, and an Executive Director,
Development Director, and a Board of Directors or Trustees who understand and value
fundraising.
III.
Review/Approve January 2014 Financials
Susan gave a brief update – with January only being the first month, there has been
little activity. All money was given out for grants at the end of 2013. Debbie asked
for a motion to approve the January 2014 Financials; Wilson made a motion, Wendy
seconded the motion and the financials were approved.
IV.
Review/Approve February 2014 Minutes
Debbie asked for a motion to approve the February 2014 minutes; Ed Chacker made a
motion to approve the minutes. The motion was seconded and the minutes were
approved.
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V.
Board Development Update – Proposed New Trustee- Joshua Snyder
Tom Brophy recommended that Joshua Snyder become a new trustee. Joshua is with
the firm of Boni & Zack LLC, and is very enthusiastic and familiar with the
Foundation. Tom feels Joshua would be a great addition and that he would be a very
active trustee. Ed Chacker and Wendy Beetlestone made a motion to elect Joshua as a
new member and the motion was approved.
VI.
Other Committee Reports (Grants; Awards & Programs; Finance; Marketing)
Nilam gave a brief update on the Awards and Programs Committee. The Board
Observers’ reception in February was well attended. This year is the third year for the
Board Observer Program – this program has tripled in size. and the number of
fellowships has been falling back. She is researching ways to honor fellowship
recipients. The Judge Flood Scholarship has not been given in over 15 years. Last
year we had a record number of nominations for the Pro Bono and Philadelphia Bar
Foundation awards.
Jessica gave a brief update on the Marketing Committee – members of the Marketing
Committee will help to plan and assist with materials for our 50th. The new Andrew
Hamilton Circle brochure should be ready in one or two weeks. Jessica has been
working with 2020 Video; and we are also in the process of gathering more
information with regard to CBS.
The next 50th event will be held at Hangley. There will be a presentation at each law
firm thanking donors.
Debbie mentioned that Supreme Court Justice Newman would like to host a dinner in
honor of the Bar Foundation’s 50th Anniversary. The cost to attend the dinner would
be $500 per person.
VII.
Update on Golf/Tennis 2014
This year’s outing will take place at the Philadelphia Cricket Club on Monday, June
16. Kessler Topaz Meltzer Check, LLP will be our presenting sponsor. Letters will be
going out by the middle of this month; registration will be available on our website. If
anyone knows of an in-kind vendor, please let Jessica know.
VIII.
Update on 50th Anniversary Plans
We are working on putting a Host Committee together. Trustees were asked to give
the name of two members for the Host Committee. We would like to have the Host
Committee together by the end of April and be able to host a Host Committee event in
June.
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IX.
Housekeeping/Other Business
Jessica asked that Conflict of Interest forms be completed. Also, everyone should have
a revised copy of the Spending Policy for their Board Book.
Ed Chacker announced that Leslie John was recently presented with the Albert S.
Dandridge, III Business Law Section Diversity Award.
Next Meeting
April 1, 2014, 4:30
Dechert, LLP
Filed with the undersigned on March 4, 2014
____________________________________
Leslie E. John, Esq.
Secretary
The Philadelphia Bar Foundation is dedicated to promoting access to justice for all people in the
community, particularly those struggling with poverty, abuse and discrimination. The Bar
Foundation is the embodiment of the Philadelphia legal community’s commitment to this
fundamental principle.
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