Tickets are going fast for the Billiards with the Bar fundraiser

By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • The Toronto Lawyers Association (TLA) invites members to dive in for a fun night of pool in support of the hunger relief efforts of The Law Society Foundation.

“Billiards with the Bar is one of the most important fundraising events we help host every year on behalf of the foundation’s Toronto Lawyers Feed the Hungry program,” says TLA executive director/library director Joan Rataic-Lang. “We have been involved with the program for many years and this particular event not only helps to raise donations but it raises consciousness about the growing problem of food insecurity.

“It can also be a great team-building opportunity,” she tells LegalMattersCanada.ca. “Lawyers are invited to bring their entire firm to relax and socialize together outside of the office.”

The event, hosted by Neuberger & Partners LLP, Hull & Hull LLP and the TLA, will be held on Nov. 2 starting at 6:30 p.m. at the VIP Billiards Club, 842 College St. Click here for ticket information.

All proceeds go to charity

“The really nice thing about this is that the sponsors actually pay for the venue and the food, which is extremely generous,” says Rataic-Lang. “Tickets are only $60 and every penny of it goes to charity.

“It is a popular event. In fact, table sponsorships have already sold out so we are encouraging our members to get their tickets soon,” she adds. “And if people are unable to make it because they are busy that day, they can still make a donation through the Billiards with the Bar website.”

Lawyers Feed the Hungry was founded by the late Martin Teplitsky and his wife Nancy Backhouse in 1998. Each week the foundation serves more than 1,000 meals to those in need.

According to the Law Society of Ontario website, the program was “founded on the concepts of social justice, inclusion and compassion, it is a 25-year legacy of community and caring through the support of a growing community of donors and volunteers.”

“Martin Teplitsky had a vision that people should be treated with dignity and respect and that making a humane connection could give people hope,” Rataic-Lang says. “How guests of the program are treated was very important to him.

“It is an especially essential program now that food insecurity has arguably become a bigger issue than ever before,” she adds. “There are many people out there who need this help and are very appreciative of it.”