Last modified: Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Women's Law Caucus Auction raises $11,000 for local organizations
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 9, 2010
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Besting last year's record-setting turnout, the Women's Law Caucus Auction raised more than $11,000 Friday (Feb. 5) for Bloomington's Middle Way House and Protective Order Project.
The annual event features packages donated by Indiana University Maurer School of Law faculty and staff. Students from the law school form small teams to bid on the items, which can include anything from a Trivial Pursuit competition to attending an afternoon of golf with members of the faculty and staff.
Sarah Sutton, of the Middle Way House, tells students all of the various services her organization offers to domestic violence victims.
"We are so thrilled with the support shown by our fellow students and faculty," Women's Law Caucus president Jessica Van Dalen said. "Providing assistance to Middle Way House and the Protective Order Project is something we take great pride in, and we are grateful to work with these two organizations who are doing so much to help the women who need it most."
In addition to live bidding on faculty and staff packages, the auction featured silent bidding on items donated by local businesses. Proceeds raised from both auctions will go to support Middle Way House and the Protective Order Project.
Professor Seth Lahn, faculty advisor for the Protective Order Project, said the auction goes a long way to ensure those at risk can get the help they need.
"At the Protective Order Project, we are committed to helping victims of domestic violence, stalking, and sexual violence," Lahn said. "The Women's Law Caucus Auction helps support our efforts in assisting those in need, securing relief in courts or simply helping them get the services that make a difference in their lives. We are grateful for the continuing support of the Women's Law Caucus and their dedication to critical women's issues."
Middle Way House director Toby Strout also commended the Women's Law Caucus for their commitment to the organization.
"With offices all across south-central Indiana, we are constantly trying to help everyone who comes to us for assistance," Strout said. "Proceeds from the auction make a big difference in the lives of women who have been abused. I can't thank the WLC enough for what they've done for us over the last couple of years."
The Protective Order Project, founded by now-Dean Lauren Robel and one of her students in 1989, is a student-directed organization based at the IU Maurer School of Law. It combines the legal expertise of faculty, students, and volunteer attorneys to obtain protective orders and use other legal methods to help victims of domestic violence.
Middle Way House provides extensive support to domestic violence victims, including housing, child care, and legal assistance.
