It’s no secret: The effects of COVID-19 have been drastic. Issues already plaguing major cities – such as homelessness and food insecurity – have grown as a result of jumps in unemployment, and systemic health and social inequities have increasingly revealed themselves as people from racial and ethnic minority communities face increased risk. Los Angeles is one of these cities, where it has been projected that homelessness could increase by 16%, that food distribution at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank has increased 70%, and that the mortality rate for COVID-19 is almost twice as high for Black residents than white residents.
Determined to meet the deep needs of its community during this difficult time, Greenberg Glusker is proud to announce that it has donated a total of $250,000 between four organizations that address hunger, homelessness, social injustice, and PPE supply.
A few years ago, the firm created a donor-advised fund at the California Community Foundation, and we’re honored to direct these funds to these well-deserving non-profit organizations as part of a larger philanthropic initiative. After a firm-wide vote, these organizations were selected and awarded the following amounts: the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank received $75,000, PATH received $75,000, Equal Justice Initiative received $75,000, and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles received $25,000.
“Our community needs have never been greater, and I am extremely proud of our collective efforts to commit these funds to organizations that work to improve the lives of people in in Los Angeles,” said Bob Baradaran, managing partner of Greenberg Glusker. “There has been no better time to contribute to groups that are supporting people who have been directly impacted by COVID-19 and social injustice.”
Beyond financial support, Greenberg Glusker plans to maintain relationships with these organizations through volunteer efforts, pro bono work, and firm-wide drives once permitted post-COVID.
“As a Los Angeles-based law firm, we have an obligation to give back to the community that give so much to us. So, we are incredibly grateful for the opportunity distribute these funds to worthy charities,” said Norman Levine, partner and member of Greenberg Glusker’s Management Committee and Litigation Department. “In addition to providing financial support, our firm is committed to developing a meaningful relationship with each group and volunteering our time and energy to support their missions.”
About the Charities
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank: The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank has been mobilizing resources to fight hunger in Los Angeles County since 1973. To support the Food Bank’s vision that no one goes hungry in Los Angeles County, food and grocery products are distributed through a network of 600 partner agencies and directly to families, seniors and children through direct distribution programs. The Food Bank has distributed more than 1.5 billion pounds of food, the equivalent of 1.2 billion meals since 1973. In response to the Coronavirus crisis, the Food Bank has more than doubled food distribution, and now reaches more than 900,000 people every month. The Food Bank is a 4-star rated charity by Charity Navigator. For more information, visit LAFoodBank.org.
PATH: Founded in 1984, PATH is the largest homeless nonprofit organization working to end homelessness for individuals, families, and communities in California. We do this by building affordable housing and providing supportive services statewide. PATH works in over 150 California cities and serves 20% of the state’s population experiencing homelessness. In the last five years, PATH has helped more than 10,000 move into permanent homes. For more information, visit epath.org.
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles: Children’s Hospital is a non-profit institution that provides pediatric healthcare and helps their patients more than a half a million times each year in a setting that is designed for their needs. Its COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund provides the hospital with specialized supplies, medical tests, expert care and technology that ultimately enables it to respond to the needs of its patients, families, and the community at large. For more information, please visit chla.org.
Equal Justice Initiative: The Equal Justice Initiative is committed to ending mass incarceration and excessive punishment in the United States, to challenging racial and economic injustice and to protecting basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in American society. For more information, please visit eji.org.
The Greenberg Glusker Charitable Fund is a component fund of the California Community Foundation, a 501c3 public charity. Contributions to the California Community Foundation represent irrevocable gifts subject to the legal and fiduciary control of the foundation’s board of directors.
About Greenberg Glusker’s Community Involvement
Greenberg Glusker has played a significant supporting role within the Los Angeles community for over 60 years. Our founding partner Arthur Greenberg likes to say that we have “done well by doing good.” Philanthropy is also a key component that contributes to Greenberg Glusker’s familial culture, providing team members opportunities to give back to the community. Past examples include: the firm’s “Starve a Vampire Blood Drive” where team members donated blood while at the office; Dress for Success clothing drives; a Habitat for Humanity volunteer day; annual participation in Adopt-A-Family to provide gifts during the holidays for families in need; and a “Pie a Partner” challenge as part of the Food From the Bar initiative benefitting the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. Contact Sheenika Gandi, Director of Marketing, [email protected] for more information.
