We need your help in raising funds on behalf of the Minnesota legal community to provide humanitarian relief for Haiti’s earthquake victims.

View a personal message from Jacquie Regis
MSBA member and Haitian-American
The unprecedented devastation in Haiti following the recent earthquake requires an equally unprecedented response from the world community to support on-going humanitarian relief efforts for the victims.  The Minnesota legal community has a tradition of goodwill and generosity to reach out to those in need.  In that spirit, the Minnesota State Bar Association (MSBA), in collaboration with Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers (MABL), has established the “MSBA/MABL Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund.”  The purpose of the fund is to collect and pool donations from the Minnesota legal community to support on-going humanitarian relief efforts for the victims of this disaster.  To this end, we ask the members of the Minnesota legal community to make a donation to the fund.  We are making a similar appeal to law firms and other legal employers for corporate donations.  We encourage each of you to donate what you can to show our legal community’s support and concern for the victims of this disaster.  Please join the MSBA and MABL in this effort.

February 10 Update

At the recommendation of the MSBA/MABL Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund Committee, the Minnesota State Bar Foundation has awarded $12,500 to the American Refugee Committee (ARC). The Committee made this recommendation based on the following factors:
 

  • As of February 3, $13,500 had been collected from individual lawyers, three sections of the MSBA and three local law firms. 
  • The Committee believed that in light of the urgent situation in Haiti, the majority of the funds collected should be disbursed immediately to one organization that meets the following criteria:
    • Currently present on the ground in Haiti and engaged in current humanitarian earthquake relief efforts.
    • Demonstrates fiscal responsibility through low or reasonable overhead expenses or employs local Haitians for delivery of services.
    • Strong ties to Minnesota or headquartered in Minnesota.
    • Enjoys reputation of high ethical standards.

 

On behalf of the Committee we’d like to thank every member of the Minnesota legal community, law firms and legal employers who have donated to the MSBA/MABL Relief Fund.  Reports of the dire needs of the earthquake victims persist.  The majority of the members of the legal community, law firms and legal employers have not yet donated.  Each donation counts and will make a big difference to the victims of the earthquake. Please donate today.  

How to Donate

The Minnesota State Bar Foundation has agreed to set up the “MSBA/MABL Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund” and receive and administer all donations for no fee.  The MSBF is a 501(c)(3) and can receive charitable donations that may be tax deductable, please check with your tax advisor.  Also note, that legislation has been passed that allows 2009 deductions for donations toward Haiti earthquake relief made between January 12 and March 1.  Your donations will be sent to organizations currently working in Haiti that have proven track records in effectively deploying resources for both immediate and long-term relief to the victims of the earthquake. 

All donations can be made online or print a donation form here to be sent to: MSBA/MABL Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund, 600 Nicollet Mall #380, Minneapolis, MN  55402.  If contributing by check, please make check payable to “Minnesota State Bar Foundation” and write “MSBA/MABL Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund” in the memo section of the check.  Each contributor will receive an acknowledgement email from the MSBA


Time is Critical -- PLEASE DONATE TODAY!!! 

We will publish the total amount donated on behalf of the Minnesota legal community and to whom it is sent.  Thank you for your generosity and willingness to help this important effort.
If you have questions regarding the MSBA/MABL Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund, please contact Joni Fenner (jfenner@mnbar.org) of the MSBA staff.