West Palm Beach, FL (April 9, 2025) – The Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County (LASPBC) celebrated the launch of its 2025 “Legal Aid In Bloom” Gala with friends and supporters at the Palm Beach Yacht Club on March 9, 2025.

Bob Bertisch, Executive Director of LASPBC, welcomed attendees and acknowledged the generous contributions of gala sponsors and underwriters. “In these challenging times, the support of our friends and donors is more critical than ever,” stated Bertisch. “We are deeply appreciative of the leadership shown by retired Justice Barbara Pariente and the partners of Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, whose significant financial investments have been instrumental in this event.”

Bertisch also extended gratitude to event co-chairs Jeff and Amy Devore and Michelle and Judge Scott Suskauer for their long-standing dedication. Bob Shalhoub, Esq., was recognized as the recipient of the Suzanne and John Foley Serving Justice Award. McDonald Hopkins, represented by Josh Benrubi, Esq., Alan Burger, Esq., and Managing Partner Peter Barnhardt, Esq., were present and acknowledged for receiving  the And Justice for All Award. Danielle H. Moore, unable to attend the launch, will be honored with the Harreen Bertisch Children’s Advocacy Award.

“We are immensely grateful for the overwhelming support from our community,” said Bertisch. “A special thank you to GL Homes for hosting the launch party and for their continued commitment to our Guardianship programs.”

“Legal Aid In Bloom” Gala Details

The Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County’s “Legal Aid In Bloom” Gala presented by Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart and Shipley will take place on May 10, 2025, at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach. The event will honor individuals and organizations dedicated to advancing access to justice. The Gala is the major fund-raising event for the Legal Aid Society and proceeds from the event go to support Palm Beach County’s must vulnerable residents who seek access to justice.

Tickets are available for purchase online at https://legalaidpbc.org/.

Photos taken by Tracey Benson Photography and linked here:

About the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County

The Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, Inc., founded in 1949, is a private, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing free legal services to the disadvantaged children, families, and individuals of Palm Beach County.

(April 2, 2025) – The Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Law Library in West Palm Beach will soon be renamed as the “Judge Edward Rodgers Law Library”. At the request of Chief Judge Glenn Kelley, the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners formally approved the naming of the Daniel T. Hurley Courthouse, West Palm Beach, Law Library, after the late Judge Edward Rodgers during their April Board meeting. Plans for an unveiling ceremony are underway and official details will be announced later.

Judge Edward Rodgers served 22 years as a Judge in the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit. He graduated from Howard University with a Bachelor of Arts and subsequently obtained his Juris Doctorate from Florida A&M University College of Law. Two years after graduating from law school, Judge Rodgers was appointed the first Black county prosecutor. In 1973, he was appointed to the bench by then-Governor Reubin Askew, the first Black judge to serve in Palm Beach County. In 1977, he was elevated to the Circuit Court bench. Judge Rodgers later served one term as the County’s first Black Chief Judge from 1983-1985.

In 1991, Judge Rodgers established the Riviera Beach Civil Drug Court which serves the citizens of Palm Beach County who struggle with substance abuse issues. In 1992, he was awarded the Jefferson Award; the Nobel prize for public service, in recognition was for his visionary work related to the Riviera Beach Civil Drug Court.
Judge Rodgers retired from the bench in 1995 but continued his community work, later serving as Councilman and Mayor of Riviera Beach. He passed away in 2018 and is remembered as an extraordinary jurist and community leader.

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The Palm Beach County Department of Housing and Economic Development has secured a $500,000 grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (FHL Bank) to bolster the Heirs’ Property Family Wealth Protection Fund. To maximize the impact, the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners has approved a local funding match, bringing the total available assistance to $1 million. The Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County (LASPBC) will administer the grant and provide essential services.

Building on its existing two-year Heir’s Property Project, LASPBC will utilize the increased funding to expand its services countywide. The project assists low- to moderate-income residents with clearing property titles, estate planning, and other critical legal matters. Initially focused in Riviera Beach, the project will now extend its reach to all cities and towns within Palm Beach County.

“This funding is crucial in addressing the legal and financial challenges posed by heirs’ property, enabling families to preserve and transfer home equity,” said Tequisha Myles, Esq., Supervising Attorney. “We are grateful for the support from FHL Bank of Atlanta and Palm Beach County, which will allow us to significantly expand our community impact.”

“For over 75 years, Legal Aid has served our community,” stated Bob Bertisch, Executive Director of Legal Aid. “This partnership with the county underscores the value of our services and our shared commitment to improving the lives of all county residents.”

The PBC Housing Finance Authority, a member of FHL Bank, played a pivotal role in securing the grant. In collaboration with LASPBC, the County will provide estate planning and title clearing services. Further program details and public announcements will follow upon program availability.

For more information about the Heirs’ Property Project, please visit www.legalaidpbc.org.

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