The Twelfth Annual Heart of Giving Celebration and Judicial Reception

From Our Hearts to Yours, THANK YOU for a Successful Virtual Heart of Giving Celebration!

by in Gala Guide, Photo Galleries, SocialEyes

The 12th Annual HeART of Giving Celebration went virtual as Legal Services proudly presented the 2021 Equal Justice Leadership Award to the Honorable Daniella Levine Cava, Mayor of Miami-Dade County, the 2021 Equal Justice Judicial Leadership Award to the Honorable Marcia G. Cooke, Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, and the Equal Justice Philanthropic Award posthumously to Jacqueline Allee Smith.

The virtual celebration was co-hosted by Legal Services Campaign Committee Co-Chair, Lilly Ann Sanchez, as well as Legal Services Board President Manuel Dobrinsky and Legal Services Executive Director Monica Vigues-Pitan.

The celebration began with a wonderful performance by Nicole Henry, Award-Winning Jazz Singer, a warm welcome by Celebrity Host Neki Mohan, as well as heartfelt messages from Chairman Jose “Pepe” Diaz, Legal Services Client, Army Veteran Felix Cepeda, and Title Sponsor, Ryder System.  Recognized throughout the presentation were the outstanding sponsors dedicated to the support and mission of Legal Services.

After receiving her award, Judge Marcia G. Cooke stands with Manuel Dobrinsky, Monica Vigues-Pitan, Neki Mohan, and Lilly Ann Sanchez.
Mayor Daniella Levine-Cava accepts award and delivers remarks.
Special guest appearance by R. Donahue Peebles, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Peebles Corporation, as he posthumously presents Jacqueline Allee Smith with the Equal Justice Philanthropic Award.
Mayor Daniella Levine-Cava and Lilly Ann Sanchez, Heart of Giving Celebration Chair
Mayor Daniella Levine-Cava and Lilly Ann Sanchez, Heart of Giving Celebration Chair
Legal Services Deputy Director of Operations Vivian Chavez stands with Chairman Jose “Pepe” Diaz and Commissioner Sally Heyman. Chairman Diaz congratulated the honorees during his remarks.
Darrell Payne (Board Member), Joseph Pack (Campaign Committee), Jesika D. Munar (Board Member), Arya Li (Board Secretary), Manuel Dobrinsky (Board President), Monica Vigues-Pitan (Executive Director), and Lilly Ann Sanchez (Campaign Committee Chair).
Lilly Ann Sanchez, Manuel Dobrinsky, Monica Vigues-Pitan pose with Mayor Levine-Cava after presenting her with the 2021 Equal Justice Leadership Award.
Monica Vigues-Pitan, Judge Marcia G. Cooke, and Legal Services Chief Diversity Officer & Pro Bono Advocacy Director Jayme Cassidy
Jacqueline Allee Smith posthumously honored with the 2021 Equal Justice Philanthropic Legacy Award. The bequest totaling more than $3 million is the largest single gift to Legal Services. Jackie was a pioneer and leader in the legal community. She was the third dean of the St. Thomas University School of Law and one of only six women serving as law school deans in the country in the 1990s. Prior to taking the leadership of St. Thomas, Jackie was a partner and head of the bankruptcy department at Holland & Knight where she met the love of her life, the Chesterfield Smith. They both shared a mutual commitment to equal justice for all. This gift showcases Jackie’s passion to use the law to better the lives of those who could not afford legal representation and continues her legacy of leadership and service.
Jacqueline Allee Smith posthumously honored with the 2021 Equal Justice Philanthropic Legacy Award. The bequest totaling more than $3 million is the largest single gift to Legal Services. Jackie was a pioneer and leader in the legal community. She was the third dean of the St. Thomas University School of Law and one of only six women serving as law school deans in the country in the 1990s. Prior to taking the leadership of St. Thomas, Jackie was a partner and head of the bankruptcy department at Holland & Knight where she met the love of her life, the Chesterfield Smith. They both shared a mutual commitment to equal justice for all. This gift showcases Jackie’s passion to use the law to better the lives of those who could not afford legal representation and continues her legacy of leadership and service.
Full of talent, Nicole Henry, characterized as one of the jazz world's most acclaimed vocalists, enchanted viewers with a powerful tribute performance to Julie Azuaje and her rendition of Imagine at the finale.
Full of talent, Nicole Henry, characterized as one of the jazz world's most acclaimed vocalists, enchanted viewers with a powerful tribute performance to Julie Azuaje and her rendition of Imagine at the finale.
Julie Azuaje
Julie Azuaje
Virtual celebration features Robert Fatovic, EVP, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary of Ryder System, the event’s Title Sponsor sharing a touching and poignant message confirming a multi-year gift in memory of Julie Azuaje, recently deceased Ryder counsel and 15-year Legal Services board member.
Army Veteran Felix Cepeda pictured with his beautiful family shares how Legal Services successfully assisted him with his wrongful military discharge and denial of VA disability benefits. The outcome was life changing as it gave him and his family the financial stability he rightfully earned.
Army Veteran Felix Cepeda pictured with his beautiful family shares how Legal Services successfully assisted him with his wrongful military discharge and denial of VA disability benefits. The outcome was life changing as it gave him and his family the financial stability he rightfully earned.
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