Spirited bidding contests broke out over a football signed by the New York Jets, an outing to see the movie “Aquaman” with Assistant Dean Karen DeMeola and, a host of other items at the 26th annual Public Interest Law Group Auction.
A crowd of students, faculty, staff, alumni and other members of the community filled the Reading Room in William F. Starr Hall on November 2, 2018, to bid on a wide variety of goods and services, from handicrafts and gift baskets to bar study courses and meals with faculty. They raised more than $22,000 in a boisterous series of bidding contests in the live auction and a keenly competitive silent auction.
“This event was a success and we are incredibly grateful to so many people,” said Jeffrey Frank ‘20, president of the Public Interest Law Group. “Thanks to all of those people, we surpassed our fundraising goal.”
The highest bids were for a BARBRI Bar Review Course, a private beer testing for up to 10 people and tickets to a live taping of “Wheel of Fortune.” Among other popular items were a baseball signed by the Joe Kelly of the Red Sox, gift certificates, memorabilia and event tickets.
All the auction items were donated by students, staff, faculty, local businesses and other friends of the law school.
Throughout the night, auctioneer Ron Gyllenhammer, who donated his skills for yet another year, periodically paused while the audience heard from students who previously received fellowships funded by the Public Interest Law Group.
Rachel Catanese ‘21, vice president of the Public Interest Law Group, thanked the crowd for giving students the opportunity to work hands-on with vulnerable and underrepresented people. She said her 2018 summer fellowship with the Center for Children’s Advocacy was a huge learning opportunity.
“The Center for Children’s Advocacy provided me with the most advantageous experience I could have asked for,” Catanese said. “The Public Interest Law Group Fellowship provided me with the financial means to pursue this work and help Connecticut’s children.”
Ray Carville ‘20 served as emcee of the event. Sebastian Iagrossi ‘20 and Junhan Zhang ‘20 were the auction chairs and were assisted by Public Interest Law Group board members Stephanie Javarauckas ‘21, Amy Saji ‘21, Haley DelVecchio ‘21, Shana Hurley ‘21 and Emily Klawitter ’22.
