Law Firm Gives $1M Endowment
by Cassye M. Cole, special contributing writer
July 3, 2008
Posted: 10:39p.m .est, July 28, 2008
Tallahassee, FL – On July 2, 2008, Legal Services of North Florida (LSNF) held a reception for their 30th Anniversary Endowment Campaign. As guests arrived, members of the Council greeted them with open hearts and warm smiles. The atmosphere was similar to that of a family joining each other over the holidays. Many community leaders came out to show their support and were all thrilled to be there. As everyone took their seats, you could feel the excitement growing in the room.
Kristine Knab, Executive Director of LSNF gave a welcome that was followed by a short introduction of this year’s Council Members. This included, Co-Chair Benjamin Crump, Co-Chair Sandy D’Alemberte, Justice Major B. Harding, and Ms. Nina Ashenafi to name a few. After the introduction of the Council, Skip Smith of Capital City Group Foundation was to present the last check to LSNF before the 1st phase of the Endowment Campaign’s Grand Total would be revealed. Instead, Co-Chair, Benjamin L. Crump said that he had a special announcement to make. He then invited his law partner, Daryl Parks, of Parks and Crump Law Firm to join him at the podium. Attorney Crump spoke about the enormous effect that LSNF has on the people of Florida that cannot afford Legal Council. As Crump looked into the audience, he said, “Daryl and I thought long and hard about how we could make a difference in the lives of domestic violence victims, children, the elderly, and poverty stricken clients. My partner and I decided that we would entrust the gift of $1,000,000.00 to the future of LSNF!” As Director Knab accepted the gift, everyone stood to applause. Crump continued in saying, “Legal Services of North Florida stands for hope and justice for all and we are thrilled and humbled to be part of that future.” Crump also noted that it was Skip Smith, a Vice President at Capital City Bank, who gave he and Daryl Parks their first loan. He said Skip, “We wouldn’t be here with out you. And I just want to say to all of you here that you never know how much your decisions to give will affect the lives of others. Someone in the audience then said, “Skip, looks like you gave a great loan,” and everyone laughed.
After adding in the $1 million dollar gift, the Grand Total for the 1st phase of the campaign was $1,944,880.23. The Campaign Goal was set at $2 million, and although LSNF fell short $55,119.77, Director Knab said it wasn’t over yet and encouraged others to continue making donations as the campaign is still accepting checks. The reception ended on a festive note with Council members thanking everyone for coming out and encouraging them to continue in their efforts to raise money for the non-profit corporation.
In a later conversation with Crump, he commented that, “As lawyers, it is our responsibility to ensure that Legal Services are provided for all people, regardless of their financial situation. Sometimes you need to reach in your pocket and remember that by contributing, you have the ability to change someone’s life.”
Attorney Benjamin Crump and Daryl Parks are the founding partners of Parks & Crump, LLC located at 240 N. Magnolia Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32301. These two attorneys have dedicated their lives to protecting the rights of others. Parks & Crump, LLC is one of the leading law firms representing injured clients in medical malpractice, personal injury, automobile accidents, nursing home neglect/abuse, defective products, and pharmaceutical products litigation.
As advocates for injured people, Parks & Crump LLC, has extensive experience handling complex claims in Florida and throughout the United States. Although they have a reputation for gaining multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements, they continue to maintain a high level of commitment to each client and every case.
