Shake Ya' Hanky … Bounce Your 'Brella … We're Second-lining for Justice as The Pro Bono Project Celebrates the 20th Anniversary of The Justice For All Ball

(New Orleans, LA) - Get your second-line strut ready as Gregory Ben Johnson, retiring President and Chief Executive Officer of the Greater New Orleans Foundation, leads the parade as the Honorary Chairman of The Pro Bono Project's 20th Annual Justice For All Ball (JFAB), which is scheduled for Friday, October 3, 2008 at Gallier Hall from 8:00 pm until midnight.

"We are so pleased to have Ben Johnson serve as our Honorary Chairman this year. He began his career in this city more than 37 years ago working to fight poverty and so it is fitting that he is again fighting one of the toughest social issues of poverty by supporting The Project in our task of securing justice for all," said The Project's Executive Director, Rachel Piercey.

In addition to Johnson's participation as Honorary Chair, the 2008 Ball Committee Chairperson is The Project's Board member Justin Woods, Esq. of Gainsburg Benjamin, who has served in this capacity previously. Key members of the legal and business community make up the committee which oversees all aspects of the JFAB. LexisNexis has committed again this year as a corporate sponsor.

The 20th anniversary celebration promises to be a real blowout with Deacon John and the Ivories rocking Gallier Hall for patrons to dance their feet off. A donor Patron Party kicks-off the evening at 6:30 pm with food provided by Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, followed by an evening filled with delectable treats from more than 20 of the metro area's top restaurants. Andrea's Restaurant and Catering is handling the logistical details for food and beverage on behalf of The Project.

So far 10+ area businesses have contributed to the raffle packages - with gift certificates for dinners, hotel nights, cooking classes, memberships and a host of other gifts, all valued at a minimum of $100 per raffle item, that ball goers can purchase a chance on for a mere $5 a ticket. There will also be a special Art, Travel & Culture auction, which will feature original art by this year's invitation artist, Jacques Soulas, partner-owner of Café Degas, along with other special art, travel and cultural items that will tempt Ball-goers to part with their hard-earned dollars for the cause of justice for all.

"There are still many opportunities for law firms, businesses and individuals to participate at many different sponsorship levels, which all include tickets to the Ball and Patron Party, as well as other VIP and marketing amenities. Whether it's for employee incentives or as a special treat for customers or clients, The JFAB is one of the premier events of the Fall social season and provides a great setting to reward employees or thank customers and clients for their business," says JFAB Committee Chair, Justin Woods.

For more information on The Pro Bono Project and the many fundraising and sponsorship opportunities for the Justice For All Ball, contact Rachel Piercey at 504.581.4043, probono@probono-no.org or visit the website at www.probono-no.org.

The Pro Bono Project's continuing mission to provide free, quality civil legal services to the poor is more important than ever. By engaging volunteer attorneys to render pro bono services, The Pro Bono Project serves clients in Orleans, Jefferson, St Bernard, St Tammany, Plaquemines and Washington parishes. With funding from the Justice For All Ball and other sources, locally and nationally, The Pro Bono Project works in collaboration with other social service providers to improve the quality of life for our clients and our community.

Contact: Rachel Piercey, 504.581.4043 or
Joanna Broussard, 504.949.2028/773.561.3122

For Immediate Release
04 June 2008