Attorney honorees (l-r): Matthew Keuten of Honigman, who accepted the award given to the Health Care Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan; Dante Stella, who accepted the award on behalf of Dykema Gossett; Leo Goddeyne of Miller Canfield, who accepted an award for his Exemplary Pro Bono Service; Glen Zatz of Bodman, who accepted an award for his Exemplary Board Service.
In recognition of exemplary commitment, Michigan Community Resources (MCR) presented awards to those who provided vital pro bono legal services in 2019, a core service of the organization. The awards took place at MCR’s Homecoming and Annual Celebration on December 12.
Awards were presented to the Dykema law firm, attorney Leo Goddeyne of Miller Canfield, and the Health Care Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan. Additionally, an award was presented to Glen Zatz of Bodman PLC for his distinguished board service.
Goddeyne of Miller Canfield’s Kalamazoo office accepted an award for exemplary pro bono service. Goddeyne has guided many nonprofits across the state in building strong foundations. In 2019, in his work with MCR, Goddeyne assisted organizations in various ways from reinstatement of 501(c)(3) status, to counseling regarding setting up complex structures, as well as advising on bylaws, proper governance, and all considerations associated with having a healthy and strong nonprofit. Goddeyne also provided trusted guidance to newer lawyers in nonprofit practice, enhancing pro bono service throughout the Michigan Bar.
As a firm, Dykema has continually helped MCR from co-hosting a clinic with General Motors, to sending representatives to speaking engagements and clinics, taking on numerous legal matters and seeing them through to completion, and even joining one of MCR’s client's board of directors. Dykema has demonstrated the essence of strong leadership, engagement in the community, and commitment to others, according to MCR officials. Attorney Dante Stella accepted the award on the firm’s behalf at the awards event.
The Health Care Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan was recognized with an award accepted by Matthew Keuten, the outgoing chair of the section’s Pro Bono Committee. The Health Care Law Section served as the perfect partner for MCR’s first annual Healthy Nonprofit workshop in 2019, according to MCR officials. Volunteer attorneys from the section represent different firms and geographies throughout the state. Through months of preparation, the section shared their expertise and time in developing a workshop to support MCR’s nonprofit clients on the path to success.
Zatz was recognized for his exemplary service to MCR’s board of directors. He was honored for his loyalty, dedication, perseverance, and an incredibly keen attention to detail. Zatz has served MCR organization since its inception 21 years ago and is currently the second longest serving member of the board.
Michigan Community Resources provides a comprehensive array of consulting and organizational capacity building services for nonprofit and community organizations in Southeast Michigan, with distinct services available statewide. MCR is the only organization of this kind in the state that supports and empowers community organizations through pro bono legal and organizational capacity building services. Since its founding in 1998, MCR has provided more than $16 million in free legal assistance to more than 1,200 nonprofits throughout Michigan. Each year, MCR serves 400 nonprofit organizations across all MCR programs. In turn, each organization serves countless others as they deliver on their missions. Attorney support for MCR’s mission comes through legal program grants and the Access to Justice Fund administered by the Michigan State Bar Foundation (www.atjfund.org).
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