Children’s Law Center will showcase successful educational advocacy at the 2012 Helping Children Soar Benefit. The September 13 event will feature middle school student Sky Stringer, a Children’s Law Center client, as emcee. Arnold & Porter LLC and the General Electric Company will receive awards for their partnership for pro bono special education representation.

“Our annual Benefit is an opportunity to highlight our achievements and thank our supporters and partners for their part in our success,” executive director Judith Sandalow said. “Sky is a living example of how our education work can change lives, and we’re thrilled to have her and her mother play a key role in the Benefit program.”

Children’s Law Center staff lawyers work directly with thousands of low-income children and families across the District. In addition, hundreds of pro bono attorneys represent children and caregivers with mentorship from Children’s Law Center staff. Through an innovative partnership, Arnold & Porter and GE have taken the lead on special education pro bono cases by providing joint representation.

Children’s Law Center’s Helping Children Soar Benefit will be Thursday, September 13, 6-9 p.m. at the Kennedy Center Roof Terrace Restaurant. Press should RSVP to Meghan Williams at 202-467-4900 ext. 512 or mwilliams@childrenslawcenter.org.

“The opportunity to help children achieve at school has been an ideal way for GE’s legal team to get involved and make a difference,” said Aimee Imundo, senior counsel at GE. “Through our partnership with Arnold & Porter and Children’s Law Center, we’re imagining a world where children’s health concerns don’t compromise their educational success, and we’re helping to make this a reality in the District.”

“Arnold & Porter has a rich history of giving back to the community. What better way than to partner with our client, GE, and Children’s Law Center to make sure that the District’s children are well-educated,” said Phil Horton, a partner at Arnold & Porter and chair of the firm’s pro bono committee.

In the spirit of education, this year’s Benefit also adds an interactive component, with informational activities debuting at the event and available afterwards on Children’s Law Center’s website, www.childrenslawcenter.org.

“We hope to give attendees a clear picture of the difference our work makes for a child who is struggling,” Sandalow said. “We believe children shouldn’t be left behind their peers just because they have disabilities and learning differences. We work to ensure all children in DC get the accommodations and services they need to be successful at school.”

About Children’s Law Center
Children’s Law Center works to give every child in the District of Columbia a solid foundation of family, health, and education. We are the largest provider of free legal services in the District and the only to focus on children. Our 80-person staff partners with local pro bono attorneys to serve more than 2,000 at-risk children each year. We use this expertise to advocate for changes in the District’s laws, policies, and programs. Learn more at www.childrenslawcenter.org.