Brooklyn Bar Association’s ‘Cocktails and Coat Drive’ mixer kicks off donations for New York Cares

Readers have until Nov. 8 to contribute coats at BBA headquarters

November 1, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

From left: Joy Thompson, chair of the Diversity Committee; Sam Buchbauer, chair of the NYSBA's LGBTQ+ Law Section; Christina Golkin, president-elect and chair of the BBA’s LGBTQ+ Committee; Pamela Walker, co-chair of the Membership Committee; and Anthony Vaughn, Jr., president and co-chair of the Membership Committee, gather at the Brooklyn Bar Association’s “Cocktails and Coat Drive” event on Oct. 30, where members donated coats and funds to support the New York Cares Coat Drive, helping to keep New Yorkers warm this winter. Brooklyn Eagle photos by Robert Abruzzese

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The Brooklyn Bar Association (BBA) opened its doors on Wednesday, Oct. 30, for its annual “Cocktails and Coat Drive” mixer, welcoming members to donate coats and funds to support New Yorkers in need this winter.

From left to right: Amanda Philip, Albert Hinds; Pamela Walker, co-chair of the Membership Committee’ Sam Buchbauer, President-Elect Christina Golkin; Joy Thompson and Samantha Moss. Brooklyn Eagle photos by Robert Abruzzese

The fall event, held at the BBA’s Brooklyn Heights building, served as the kickoff for the association’s coat collection, with all donations going to the New York Cares Coat Drive. The event was organized by the Diversity, LGBTQ+ and Membership Committees, with sponsorship from the New York State Bar Association’s LGBTQ+ Law Section.

President-Elect Christina Golkin speaking with Joy Thompson, standing at the podium. Brooklyn Eagle photos by Robert Abruzzese

“I really appreciate everybody coming, giving coats, and donating to our website,” said Christina Golkin, president-elect and chair of the BBA’s LGBTQ+ Committee. “It is really exciting. I want to thank our co-sponsor, the NYSBA’s LGBTQ+ Law Section, for helping us to organize this.”

From left: Ronald Cosme, Michael Gibbons and Shirin Zarabi. Brooklyn Eagle photos by Robert Abruzzese

Joy Thompson, chair of the BBA’s Diversity Committee, credited the Membership Committee for setting the tone with vibrant decorations, acknowledging co-chair Pamela Walker’s work.

Amanda Philip and Sam Buchbauer. Brooklyn Eagle photos by Robert Abruzzese

“This has been our third year hosting the coat drive, and it has always been fun,” Thompson said. “One of the best parts is seeing the generosity of our members and friends.

From left: President Anthony Vaughn Jr., Janice Chen and Janice Purvis. Brooklyn Eagle photos by Robert Abruzzese

“New York Cares has been having this coat drive every year, and the whole goal is to keep New Yorkers warm,” Thompson continued. “As you know, some people do not have places to stay or sleep. This is an opportunity to fill a need. They take donations of coats and donations of money. $25 can serve 10 people with coats. Those who cannot give coats can donate on our website.”