Archer Award Gala to be hosted at Detroit Yacht Club

Last week the Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association (www.detroitlawyer.org/dmbafoundation.html) opened registration for its 8th annual Dennis W. Archer Public Service Award Gala Reception and announced the choice of venue for the event--the Detroit Yacht Club. The Archer Award event will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 4, from 6 to 8:30 pm. "Our choice of the Yacht Club continues our tradition of showcasing Detroit's cultural and architectural treasures, even as we gather to honor one of our legal community's treasured public servants," said Foundation Co-Chair Barbara A. Bowman. "The Yacht Club has played host to U.S. presidents, visiting royalty, and other notable people for more than 100 years--we're excited to have our event become part of this cultural icon's history." U.S. District Court Judge Victoria A. Roberts, Eastern District of Michigan, will be the recipient of this year's award, which is given annually to a member of the legal community who combines an exceptional level of professional achievement with a passionate dedication to community service. Roberts, who was commissioned to the federal bench by President Bill Clinton in 1998, is a well-known legal educator and public service volunteer who has served on the boards of Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the Fair Housing Center of Metropolitan Detroit. Roberts has been the recipient of several awards including the two highest honors granted by the State Bar of Michigan--the Champion of Justice and Roberts P. Hudson awards. Originally built at the foot of McDougall St. just south of Jefferson Ave. in the late 1870s, the Detroit Yacht Club was moved to its current home on Belle Isle in 1891. After a fire in 1904, the Club commissioned the Mediterranean-style villa which still occupies the space today. "By holding the Archer Awards at the Detroit Yacht Club we're celebrating two Detroit jewels--the Club itself and, of course, beautiful Belle Isle," said DMBA Foundation Executive Director Lorraine Weber. "We're planning a stunning evening for participants and know that, given the beautiful seasonal décor and the impeccable hospitality of the Yacht Club, this event will be one of our best yet." Tickets for the event are $125 per person and are available online at www.detroitlawyer.org/upcomingevents.html and by phone at 313-961-6120, ext. 206. Weber urged interested guests to register early to make sure space is still available. The Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association Foundation has been presenting the Dennis W. Archer Public Service Award since 2004. In addition to former Mayor Archer, Senator Carl Levin, former Governor Jennifer Granholm, and U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Damon J. Keith are among past honorees. In 2011, the Archer Award was presented to Michigan Department of Human Services Director Maura D. Corrigan. The DMBA Foundation is the service arm of the Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association, the nation's second oldest bar association. The Foundation's programs include the Thomas M. Cooley Pro Bono Mentorship Program, the Detroit Legal Services Clinic, which provides free legal assistance to people in need, and For The Seventh Generation (www.fortheseventhgeneration.org), which matches donations of services and goods to needy foster children in the metro Detroit area. For more information about the Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association and its Foundation visit: www.detroitlawyer.org. To inquire about sponsorship opportunities contact Lorraine Weber at lweber@detroitlaywer.org or 313-961-6120, ext. 206. Published: Mon, Nov 12, 2012