Philadelphia VIP to Celebrate 30 Years of Legal Service to the Poor at March 19 Gala; Rendell to Deliver Keynote Remarks

PHILADELPHIA, March 18, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Philadelphia VIP – the hub of free legal services for the city's poor – will celebrate three decades of service, and welcome former Pennsylvania Gov. Edward G. Rendell as keynote speaker at its 30th Anniversary Gala on Saturday, March 19, at 6:30 p.m. at The Westin Philadelphia, 99 S. 17th St. at Liberty Place. At the event, former Gov. Rendell will receive VIP's Pinnacle Award for his outstanding commitment to legal services for the poor.

Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter, Philadelphia District Attorney R. Seth Williams and other dignitaries have been invited to the Gala. Approximately 500 attorneys, judges and honored guests will be in attendance. The event will recognize thousands of volunteers who have helped the organization make a critical difference in the quality of life enjoyed by Philadelphia VIP's clients in need of legal representation.

VIP's Executive Director Sara Woods stated, "We are pleased to celebrate this incredible milestone with the many volunteers and friends who have supported VIP's mission during the last 30 years. The Anniversary is a wonderful opportunity to say thank you but also remind everyone that our work is not yet finished."

Mark C. Levy, Philadelphia VIP Board President, commented, "We are thrilled to celebrate a milestone anniversary for VIP, which through its staff, volunteers and supporters, has helped so many in our community who could not afford or find legal assistance. The celebration is a chance to thank so many who have contributed to fulfilling VIP's mission and to encourage the continued spirit of volunteerism which has made this organization successful."

Philadelphia VIP was created in 1981 to provide pro bono legal assistance when Legal Services Corporation funding to Philadelphia's Community Legal Services was drastically cut. Since then, VIP has recruited and trained thousands of private bar attorneys to provide consistent, high-quality representation to low-income clients with critical legal needs.

VIP continues to create effective ways of bridging the gap between socially marginalized individuals, families and communities with legal needs and lawyers possessing the skills and ability to meet those needs.

SOURCE Philadelphia VIP