Annual Meeting most successful to date

This year’s annual meeting was a resounding success, raising more funds to support pro bono legal services than ever before. Area law firms, corporations and individuals contributed $137,000 to the Lawyers Clearinghouse cause, shattering last year’s record of $106,000 and representing a 29 percent increase in funds raised.

Larry Curtis, President and Managing Partner of WinnDevelopment, gives a lively acceptance speech at the 25th Annual Meeting at Nixon Peabody. He details his long history of developing affordable housing in Massachusetts. (Photo by Forrest Milder)

More than 200 individuals showed their support at the 25^th Annual Meeting on June 6 at Nixon Peabody.

The Clearinghouse attributed the success to this year’s honoree, Larry Curtis of WinnDevelopment, and event Co-Chairs John Keith and Michael Putziger. With high regard for Larry’s years of work in the affordable housing community, John and Michael were able to rally support from the entire real estate sector.

John Keith, President of Keith Construction and Michael Putziger, Chairman of WinnCompanies present Larry Curtis with the Lawyers Clearinghouse Leadership Award. (Photo by Forrest Milder)

“Larry’s efforts to strengthen communities through the creation of greater opportunities for high-quality housing have immensely benefitted the people of Massachusetts, and will continue to do so for years to come,” said Ben Tymann, the Clearinghouse board president. “We are grateful for Larry and WinnDevelopment’s faithful support over the years, and we are proud to recognize him for his longstanding commitment to the values that are the foundation of the Clearinghouse’s mission.”

Larry has led a full range of real estate development and acquisition activities for more than 25 years with a primary focus on the creation of affordable housing and historic rehabilitation developments.

The Lawyers Clearinghouse Founders came to celebrate our 25th Anniversary. From left to right: Vincent McCarthy, David Abromowitz, Meg Connolly, Alice Richmond, Arlene Marcus, John Marshall and Jonathan Klein.(Photo by Forrest Milder)

“It has been Winn’s mission, as well as my own, to give back to the communities in which we work to create a better quality of life for our residents,” said Larry. “I am extremely honored to have been selected for this award by Lawyers Clearinghouse. It is a wonderful organization that provides essential services to those in need, and I look forward to continuing my work with them.”

In attendance were many of Larry’s close friends and colleagues, as well as those who have supported the Clearinghouse for years.

Event co-chair Michael Putziger, Rep. Niki Tsongas, honoree Larry Curtis and event co-chair John Keith.(Photo by Forrest Milder)

As part of the 25^th anniversary celebration, we invited founding members and past presidents who were instrumental in the Clearinghouse’s success. To learn about the Clearinghouse history and see old pictures, click here.

The Clearinghouse is grateful to all who made our event a success by donating and attending. With IOLTA funds dwindling, support from individuals, firms and corporations continues to comprise a larger portion of the budget. With the funds raised, we will continue to provide critical legal services to homeless individuals in need of assistance and nonprofits so they can better serve their communities.