Fun at the Law Office: Bachus & Schanker, LLC host Joy of Giving

Who knew going to a law office could be so much fun? Even bone-chilling cold couldn’t stop people from getting to Bachus & Schanker, LLC to celebrate the Joy of Giving. The surprise transformation of the space and the warmth of the occasion made it a winning case.

Business by day spaces were transformed into places for party provisions. The side credenza was stacked with delicious desserts and the reception desk doubled beautifully as the place to order something to sip on. The incredibly talented, classically trained, award-winning musician Lionel Young added a delightful background of blues and soulful holidays tunes to the gathering.

Darin L. Schanker, founding partner of Bachus & Schanker, LLC, gave a hearty welcome to the guests and shared his high regard for the work of Justice and Mercy Legal Aid Clinic, the beneficiary of the evening.

“Our firm’s mantra is ‘Our passion is justice’ and JAMLAC does amazing things in helping people who are in difficult situations. Our values align well and that is why they are so important to us,” said Darin Schanker.

JAMLAC’s Executive Director Steve Thompson graciously acknowledged how much the evening meant to him. He then introduced a sweet-smiling Ruth Rojas. She tenderly hugged her son in front of her as she shared her thanks to the organization for helping her escape domestic abuse. A round of applause went high when she finished by saying she was now in a place to get her own home for her and her six-year-old son.  JAMLAC’s mission is to address the practical legal needs of people struggling with poverty and oppression in metro Denver. The agency has become a safe and confidential resource for victims of daily hardship and cruelty since its start in 2006.

New to the event this year was a real-time ask for donations directly to JAMLAC. Without hesitation, Darin Schanker threw out the first contribution, an amount higher than the first auction ask. The contributions kept coming in increments between $100 and $1,000. The end result was an additional $7,000 for JAMLAC.

“Everyone’s generosity is so heartwarming,” said Dawn Rozecki, Director of Litigation for the firm and a member of the Bachus & Schanker Cares Foundation board.  “The additional dollars from the live auction will potentially double the amount raised from last year’s event.”

In an office across the hall, Gusto Studio Booth provided a blast of props for comical photos. Unlike waiting for Christmas day, it was immediate gratification as attendees could click on the link seconds after the shutter closed and send fun pictures to friends. The most popular items to adorn that evening were Hulk gloves, antlers, Santa hats and picture frames. A stuffed monkey often found his way into the final shot.

Prior to posing, guests checked out the many silent auction offerings. Sports enthusiasts had a hard time deciding between bidding on a jersey signed by Champ Bailey, an autographed photo of Ty Lawson and Nuggets tickets, box seats for the Rockies, or prime seats for Avalanche and/or DU hockey. Sheet after sheet on the table called to the keeper of the pen to put down a price for delicious spa treatments, dinners out, days away at popular resorts and an assortment of original artwork.

Bachus & Schanker, LLC began with a core practice in personal injury law. The firm now addresses workers’ compensation, social security and all forms of plaintiff’s employment law. Comprised of 15 trial lawyers and nearly 50 total firm members, Bachus & Schanker, LLC has represented thousands of clients across the country. In 2009, the firm established the Bachus & Schanker Cares Foundation. The Foundation is committed to supporting the community and those affected by life changing tragedies and has contributed to several non-profits including Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Dolls for Daughters, Habitat for Humanity, Light the Night Walk, A Walk To Remember, and the Wall-Bop Golf Tournament.

On Monday, the lobby will return to business-as-usual. Perhaps the fax will machine will sit where there was a decadent array of desserts. The reception desk will resume its role as the first stop for clients. The air of care will continue as the firm carries on its business.