YWCA Purse & Passion: 14 Years of Empowering Women

Posted on April 9, 2013 by sirotesupports

By Liz Hutchins, Sirote & Permutt attorney

I’m always amazed when I hear the stories shared by women who have faced – and overcome – seemingly insurmountable adversity. That’s why I’m so happy to be a part of the 14th annual YWCA Purse & Passion Luncheon.

Each year, guests at the luncheon witness amazing stories of hope and triumph, like that of a mother and her three teenage sons, whose house fire left them homeless. After sleeping in her car in a Wal-mart parking lot, she looked to the YWCA for help. She and her sons were able to move into the Interfaith Hospitality House, and were getting their lives back on track, when one of her sons was diagnosed with a brain tumor and congenital heart disease. Continue reading →

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First Ever Parkinson’s Fighter Walk a Huge Success!

Posted on April 2, 2013 by sirotesupports

By Jeri Boyd, Sirote & Permutt paralegal and Alabama Parkinson’s Fighter Walk founder

Parkinson's Fighter walkIt’s amazing the difference we can make when we work together!

I am truly humbled by the turnout at our first ever Parkinson’s Fighter Walk, which raised more than $12,000 for Parkinson’s Disease research! It was an awesome experience, and the funds raised will go a long way toward helping those of us fighting this terrible disease.

In speaking with the Georgia chapter of the American Parkinson’s Association on this event, I was told that if we had 75 people attend the walk, we should consider it a success. Well, we had between 200-300 people attend, from north Georgia to south Alabama. It was an awesome experience for a cause that’s truly close to my heart. Continue reading →

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Congratulations to Joel Rotenstreich, Recipient of the NCCJ James Head Award

Posted on March 27, 2013 by sirotesupports

By Karl Friedman, Sirote & Permutt attorney

Joel Rotenstreich and his wife, Bunny. From al.com.

Impacting one person’s life can go a long way.

Joel Rotenstreich recently received the James Head Award Lifetime Award from the Alabama Chapter of the National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ).

I’m proud to have known Joel for many years. I taught him Sunday School growing up, and after his father passed away, tried to guide him and teach him like a father would. We stayed in touch through the years, and eventually my wife and I took Joel to Dallas to visit the United Jewish Appeal, a major charitable organization that helped fund the Jewish Federations in towns across the country.

That trip lit a fire under Joel that has continued to burn to this day. Continue reading →

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Nonprofits Make Our City Go Round

Posted on March 21, 2013 by sirotesupports

Suzanne Durham, YWCA CEO

By Emily Bates, Sirote & Permutt’s director of marketing & business development

Birmingham is regularly ranked as one of the nation’s most philanthropic communities. More specifically speaking, it was ranked No. 3 among the nation’s 50 largest metros in August 2012 when it comes to percentage of discretionary income given to charity, according to the study by the Chronicle of Philanthropy. That’s a testament to both our local nonprofit community and the corporations and individuals who support local charitable causes, says The Birmingham Business Journal (BBJ).

It doesn’t come as a surprise to us at Sirote & Permutt that Birmingham consistently ranks as one of the most charitable cities in the world. Our law firm has a special interest in the generosity of Alabama residents and workers through our Sirote Supports initiative, which was recently honored in the BBJ’s second annual Nonprofit Awards, where we were recognized as a finalist in the Corporate Citizen category for our support to Alabama nonprofits through philanthropy, volunteerism, board support and corporate partnerships. Continue reading →

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The Birmingham Business Journal Unveils Nonprofit Awards’ Finalists

Posted on March 13, 2013 by sirotesupports

Birmingham Business Journal Nonprofit AwardsRecently, the Birmingham Business Journal (BBJ) announced the finalists for this year’s second annual Nonprofit Awards. Sirote & Permutt was honored to be recognized as a finalist in the Corporate Citizen category for our Sirote Supports initiative. This category honors Birmingham companies for the community service and charitable activities to which they contribute their time and money. Honorees were chosen based on support to nonprofits through philanthropy, volunteerism, board support and corporate partnerships. Continue reading →

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Sirote Attorneys Support Pancake Breakfast

Posted on March 5, 2013 by sirotesupports

(Second from left) Kiwanis Club of Vestavia –Hoover President Tamera Erskine. (Left to right) Sirote’s Stephen Porterfield, Barry Ragsdale and Justice Tom Woodall.

Sirote’s Stephen Porterfield, Barry Ragsdale and Justice Tom Woodall lent their support and their hearty appetites to The Kiwanis Club of Vestavia – Hoover Pancake Breakfast held Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013 at the Mountain Chapel Methodist Church.  More than 220 breakfasts were served, raising almost $5,000 which the Club will donate to a number of children’s charitable organizations including Reading is Fundamental, The Exceptional Foundation and Children’s of Alabama. Continue reading →

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Offering Kids a Rey of Hope

Posted on March 1, 2013 by sirotesupports

By John Cooper, Sirote & Permutt CEO and member of Holy Family Cristo Rey Board of Directors

All young people deserve an opportunity to receive a solid education and strong foundation on which to build their lives. However, for some, that opportunity is a challenge.

That’s what makes Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School so special. As a college preparatory school serving students with limited financial means and educational alternatives, Holy Family Cristo Rey teaches teenagers to become men and women of faith, purpose and service. By offering a rigorous curriculum, a unique work-study program and the support of an inclusive school community, the school prepares students to succeed in college and beyond with the values essential to a fulfilling life. Continue reading →

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The Alabama Parkinson’s Fighter Walk: Walking for Research

Posted on February 25, 2013 by sirotesupports

By Jeri Boyd, Sirote & Permutt paralegal and Alabama Parkinson’s Fighter Walk founder

When I was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s Disease at the age of 53, I prayed that I would maintain a positive attitude and be able to help others who struggle with this disease. Because the average person diagnosed with the disease is in their 60’s, it was hard for me to find any support groups for early-onset Parkinson’s.

Parkinson’s Disease affects the nervous system and can cause tremors, muscular rigidity and slow, imprecise movements. In my case, my left hand shakes, making it difficult to type, and sometimes my medications make it hard to concentrate. But my coworkers at Sirote & Permutt are very supportive.  Continue reading →

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Hotcakes to Help

Posted on February 18, 2013 by sirotesupports

By Ryan Daugherty, Sirote & Permutt attorney

The Kiwanis Club of Vestavia-Hoover and Sirote & Permutt share a common goal of supporting charitable organizations that assist children in our area. We believe that helping children in need is the best way to affect change in our community.

That’s why Kiwanis is proud to host a Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, Feb. 23, at the Mountain Chapel Methodist Church in Vestavia. Pancakes will be served from 7:30 until 11 a.m., and proceeds will support children’s organizations such as Reading is Fundamental, The Exceptional Foundation, Children’s of Alabama and many others.

I’ve been a member of Kiwanis for 2 years and have seen firsthand the difference this organization can make through donated funds and time. Join us for a stack of flapjacks that fills not just your stomach, but your heart too! Continue reading →

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YWCA KIDS Korner: Changing the Lives of Children

Posted on February 12, 2013 by sirotesupports

By Liz Hutchins, Sirote & Permutt attorney and YWCA of Central Alabama Board Member

All children deserve a safe, loving environment where they can learn, play and discover their self worth. But children who are homeless often have tremendous obstacles to face – obstacles that many times can be addressed with a hot meal, a caring adult and a safe place to play and learn.

That’s the goal of the sixth annual KIDS Korner Luncheon, an initiative of the Birmingham YWCA aimed at providing care for children of homeless families. KIDS Korner provides curriculum and special programs for children in need. The luncheon, which provides much-needed funds for the program, will be held Thursday, Feb. 21, at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center. Continue reading →

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