The 24th Annual Public Interest Law Association (PILA) Auction took place February 28th at the National Public Housing Museum. In addition to the auction, PILA students organized a crowdfunding campaign to gain support from alumni and friends who were unable to attend the event.
Over 120 people attended the auction, and over 40 people donated to the crowdfunding campaign, which helped PILA raise approximately $19,000 for scholarships to support students working in unpaid, public interest internships. College of Law Dean Jennifer Rosato Perea committed $21,000 toward summer scholarships as well, bringing the total scholarship fund to $40,000.
PILA Auction Co-Chairs Gabriela Illa ('21) and Tricia Young ('21) worked diligently to make the event a reflection of PILA's public interest values. From partnering with the National Public Housing Museum, a new venue, to contracting exclusively with minority-owned businesses—the event was centered around community, inclusiveness and social justice.
"The auction is a labor of love that has allowed me the opportunity to support my community, my fellow classmates and my personal purpose of being a voice for the voiceless," said Young. "Without the funds raised at the auction, I would not have been able to spend my first summer working for a legal aid organization. I am happy to support the public interest law community just as the community continues to support me."
PILA Co-President Michael Hoyt ('20) agreed. "The PILA auction is huge...the annual auction not only makes public interest internships feasible by raising funds for summer scholarships, but it brings the DePaul Law community together to celebrate the meaningful work its public interest students are doing in our community."
The PILA Auction is a student-led fundraising effort organized by the student organization each year. The auction committee thanks all those who attended, volunteered and donated to the event.