UMatters

[The following was submitted by UMKC Family Law Society.]

On Feb. 25 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, the UMKC Family Law Society (Society) is presenting its first annual Trivia Night to benefit the UMKC Child & Family Services Clinic (Clinic).

Since 2001, the Clinic has helped obtain legal permanency for more than 600 children, in addition to providing opportunities for student to gain hands-on experience representing “real” clients.

The Society seeks assistance from the community to raise funds to cover Clinic costs like home studies, out of state service, and discovery. The hope is to purchase a case management system in order to maximize efficiency for these clients. All of the proceeds from Trivia Night will go towards the Clinic. Your help is needed to make this a success.

The Clinic works in partnership with area agencies to present programs as part of Kansas City’s annual observance of Child Abuse Awareness Month in April. Referrals for legal services come from community partners such as the Missouri Children’s Division, Jackson County Juvenile Office, Office of the Guardian ad Litem, CASA, Legal Aid of Western Missouri, Children’s Mercy Hospital, and members of the Missouri Bar.

Get Involved in Trivia Night

Participate: Reserve a table for eight for $160. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Trivia begins at 6:30 p.m. Participants are encouraged to bring in outside food and beverages. There will be prizes for first- and second-place winners. You don’t need to be a lawyer to play well because the categories include a variety of popular culture, history and other fun trivia.

Donate: If addition, during the evening an ongoing raffle will feature fabulous prizes. In order to raffle off the prizes, however we need your help to donate them first! All gifts welcome and there is no contribution too small.

Be a sponsor: Can’t make it to the event and want to help out the cause? Donate money on behalf of yourself and your firm to help sponsor a table or participants. The Clinic will still benefit from the donation, and we will be sure to recognize your contribution at the event.

To sign up email Allison Gerli or call 314-757-0009.

Make checks payable to UMKC Family Law Society. (Due by February 18, 2011.) Please mail them to 5306 Rockhill, Kansas City, MO 64110.

For donation information, email Ashley Williams or call 913-636-0310.

The entire registration fee and any additional donations may be considered tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.