Dear Friends,
January may be the traditional time to celebrate a new beginning, but for me the start of fall is a “starting over” time as well. From the change in the weather and in nature, to the start of a new school year, there’s something about the temperature dropping and leaves turning colors that prompts me to refocus on priorities and double down on achieving goals before year’s end.
One big goal I have for the Partnership is just around the corner: hosting a successful 22nd Anniversary Gala. Our main fundraising event, the Gala will be on Wednesday, October 16th at Cipriani 42nd St., and we have an amazing evening planned. The 2019 Champion Award honorees are the Mastercard Law, Franchise & Integrity team and Samir A. Gandhi, Managing Partner at the New York office of Sidley Austin LLP. These distinguished honorees have pro bono in their DNA, and we are grateful for their partnership and their commitment to our mission.
The program also includes a chance to hear directly from some of our nonprofit clients how free legal help has enabled their organizations to grow and thrive. This is great reminder of why we do what we do, and I know it will leave you inspired.
New to this year’s Gala is an incredible VIP golf package to the 149th Open for auction, 
compliments of Mastercard! If you’re an avid golfer, this is undoubtedly the opportunity of a lifetime to experience The Open Championship like few have, with hospitality passes, grandstand seats, and even a chance to up your game on the Royal St. George’s course the day after the big event. Air miles, luxury accommodations, gourmet meals, and meeting Mastercard Golf Ambassadors mean every detail is accounted for.
While I’m only a casual golfer, England holds a special place in my heart, and the fact that The Open is in Kent, a picturesque coastal county that’s also the oldest in England, means this package still has all the makings of a dream vacation in my book! In addition to more than 100 golf 
courses, Kent is home to stunning nature preserves, majestic castles and gardens, craft breweries, vineyards, unique shopping, and breathtaking architecture that makes history come alive on every street corner. You can find more information about this exciting VIP package, available exclusively at the PBP Gala, here.
I hope you’ll join us for what will surely be a spectacular evening! You can find more about honorees, tickets, and sponsorship opportunities here.
A special thanks to our Dinner Chairs, John L. Golden, Executive Vice President & General Counsel at Athene Holding Ltd. and Tim Murphy, General Counsel at Mastercard for your dedication and help in making the evening a success.
Whether it’s a football game, a roaring campfire, a cozy blanket, or mulled cider, I hope you enjoy every bit of fall. And, please do join us for the Gala next month and start imagining yourself at the 149th Open, experiencing all that Kent has to offer!
With appreciation,
Nancy Eberhardt
Executive Director