Supporter Spotlight
80th birthday fundraiser
Dan and his wife, Joan, after Dan was awarded the Pro Bono Attorney of the Year at this year’s Spring Appreciation Night in Lewiston. Photo credit: Bea Harley.
When Dan McDonald and his wife, Joan, were planning his 80th birthday celebration, they knew they wanted to use the occasion to inspire guests to support an important cause. The choice was easy. “I chose ILAP as a suggested donee for our guests, because it is one of my favorite charities, doing so much good in our community and our state,” reflected Dan.
The checks started arriving over a month before the celebration and just kept coming! ILAP received 25 donations from all over the country, totaling over $4,500, in honor of Dan. When we told him the news, he said, “I am delighted that so many people were so generous. Everyone who has heard about ILAP knows of its contributions to the fabric of our society.”
Not only is Dan a big supporter of ILAP, he also serves on our Pro Bono Panel. Dan and over 200 other lawyers donate thousands of hours to help in ILAP’s efforts to serve the legal needs of low-income asylum seekers, vulnerable children, and other immigrants in Maine. And when Dan takes on a case, he puts everything he’s got into it. This spring, at ILAP’s Volunteer and Partner Appreciation Event, he received an award for his pro bono work alongside Lowell Turnbull. Click here to read more about our event and awards.
At the event, his wife told us about the birthday fundraiser plan to include a suggested donation, “When you are having a big 80th birthday celebration, people will want to bring gifts, but you don’t really need things anymore.” She was not surprised at all when Dan picked ILAP as the organization he wanted to support.
Thank you, Dan, for partnering with us to create a world where systems are rooted in justice, where everyone belongs and thrives!
A note from a donor in recognition of Dan’s 80th birthday.
A gift to ILAP is a great way to celebrate any occasion!
You can dedicate your gift in honor or in memory of a special person in your life. Give a dedicated donation to ILAP today!
If you are feeling inspired to support ILAP with your own creative fundraiser, visit ilapmaine.org/grassroots-fundraising.
Starting a Facebook or Instagram fundraiser is also an easy way to inspire your friends and family to support ILAP’s work!