ILCM's 2010 Gala was a great success!

Over 400 people came to the Landmark Center in downtown St. Paul, to celebrate our mission and to eat, drink, bid on one of over 100 live and silent auction items, mingle and dance. Thanks to generous support-especially that of our 39 sponsors-we met our fundraising goal of $35,000. Find photos of the event on photo page.

We were also proud to honor individuals and organizations with awards that evening. Avera Transplant Institute of Sioux Falls, S.D. received the State Advocate of the Year award and SEIU Local 26 was honored as the National Advocate of the Year. Attorney Jennifer Kowski-Dahlberg received the Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year and Latham & Watkins the Pro Bono Law Firm of the Year. The Volunteer of the Year award went to law student Graham Ojala Barbour. And former client Anwar Ibrahim was honored with the Inspiration award. Read more about the story behind each honor.

Former Immigration Judge, and current ILCM pro bono attorney, Joseph Dierkes reminded the audience of the prescient remarks of David McCullough, winner of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. "When the writer was asked what makes America unique he replied that as a nation we ask large numbers of people to come to this country and 'become one of us,' and that they become Americans in every sense of the word…" said the Judge. "I felt very lucky to be able to swear people in as citizens and to see the sense of accomplishment and joy on their faces." Guests pledged their support for our citizenship work with a donation, and you can, too.

We are so grateful to everyone who attended and volunteered. Planning for the Spring 2011 Gala is currently underway. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , if you'd like to be part of the planning process. Also, you can check out the Gala 2011 page here.