More than 225 students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members gathered at the 20th annual DePaul Law Auction on February 19 to raise money for stipends to support students who work in unpaid, public interest positions over the summer. More than $20,000 was raised, including ticket sales and other monetary donations. The stipends support students working at nonprofits and government agencies, which often have heavy caseloads, but are unable to pay summer interns to help serve more clients. Students receiving these stipends have worked in areas such as civil rights, disability advocacy, domestic violence, immigration and criminal law.
From left, second-year student Nate Raymond, first-year student Emily Steinert, first-year student Nolan Downey and first-year student Erica Tremble.This year's event included a silent auction, a raffle and a live auction. Popular silent auction items included four one-day "hopper" pass to Disney World, tickets to a Cubs v. Cardinals game, a FitBit HR, a Las Vegas hotel package and tickets to a Second City comedy show.
Following the silent auction, Professor Alberto Coll led a live auction, which included many of the highest priced items for the event. Bidding wars ensued for an Australian dinner for six students with Professor Zoë Robinson, which went for $1,000, and other popular items included a weekend getaway at a Wisconsin cabin, a faculty Whirlyball challenge, and a private, in-home wine tasting party for up to 18 hosted by Wines for Humanity. In addition, many professors and alumni donated networking lunches and dinners.
PILA auction committee chair Madeleine Wineland, center, with second-year student Casey Williams and third-year student Katherine Davis, PILA president.“The auction is one of the most amazing gatherings and showings of community support I have ever seen,
” said PILA auction committee chair and second-year law student Madeleine Wineland.
“It's truly remarkable to see so many students and faculty come together on behalf of those in the public interest law community. I am so happy to be a part of this.
”
Third-year student and SBA president Alex Antonnaci agreed. “The auction is such a great event each and every year. It's a great place to socialize with students, faculty, and staff you don't normally see—all while raising money for a worthy cause!”
The Public Interest Law Association organizes the event each year. The auction committee, chaired by Madeleine Wineland, would like to thank all those who attended and donated to the auction.