Brooklyn Bar Association holiday party collects coats and raises money

December 24, 2022 Rob Abruzzese

The Brooklyn Bar Association collected used coats and raised money for charity during a holiday party that it hosted on Tuesday. Pictured left to right: Christina Golkin, Anthony Vaughn, Pamela Walker, Joy Thompson, President Richard Klass, and Steven Jeffrey Harkavy. Eagle photos by Robert Abruzzese

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BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — It started with a conversation between Anthony Vaughn and Pamela Walker about what the Brooklyn Bar Association could do to raise money for charity over the holiday season.

Amongst other ideas, the two decided to raise $250 between them. It was a modest sum, but combined with other possibilities it was a start. By Tuesday night that idea had turned into the Brooklyn Bar Association’s Coat Drive & Cocktails holiday party.

Sponsored by Vaughn and Walker’s Membership Committee, Joy Thompson’s Diversity Committee, and Christina Golkin’s LGBTQ+ Committee, the event managed to raise over $1,500. A few dozen coats were also collected and, along with the money, donated to New York Cares.

“This event is another one of our firsts here at the Association that we hope to continue,” Vaughn said. “We’re trying to provide new ideas to generate more traffic into our lovely building that we cherish so much.

From left: Dewey M. Golkin, Dewey Golkin, and Hon. Richard Montelione. Eagle file photos by Robert Abruzzese

“More importantly, the purpose of this activity is to support our community,” Vaughn continued. “The Association’s priority is obviously continuing to encourage, support, and build up our members, but it is also to support our community. There are very few things more important than food, water, shelter, and clothing. A warm coat goes a long way.”

The Brooklyn Bar Association will next host its Military Law Committee for a general meeting on Thursday, Jan. 12 at 6 P.M. Members are encouraged to contact Charlie Emma for more details.

Natoya McGhie (left) and Betsey Jean-Jacques. Eagle file photos by Robert Abruzzese

The BBA’s Military Committee hosts a CLE panel at least every other year. Usually a two-day continuing legal education seminar, the Military Committee’s last CLE included Hon. Brian Cogan from the Eastern District of New York, who spoke about terrorism trials that are held locally. Past Brooklyn Bar Association President Frank Seddio was also on hand for that CLE and discussed wills for members of the military.

On Jan. 31, the BBA will host Justice Lisa Ottley for its Judicial Sitdown Series. From 5:30 P.M. until 7 P.M. that night, the judge will discuss her life, career, and the Guardianship Part that she oversees in Brooklyn.