March 30, 2015

25th Annual PILP Auction

Both auctions raised around $36,000 to support the Summer Stipend Program and Loan Repayment Assistance Program.

This year was the 25th annual PILP (Public Interest Law Project) Auction at Lewis & Clark. For the past 25 years individuals, law firms, the Portland community and beyond have shown up to support PILP and the public interest community by raising funds at one of the law school’s most anticipated events. Organizers of the auction separated this year’s event into two auctions. The first was held downtown where the auction has been held most recently, and the second was on-campus, as a throwback to PILP’s roots when it was originally held at the law school.

“It was great to have the auction engage both students and alumni through our two events so we could both raise the money needed for stipends, while also celebrating the great work that students do to help the under-represented,” said Director of Public Interest Law Bill Penn.

Between the two auctions, PILP raised the third highest gross auction sales this year. The net income was around $36,000, which will fund summer stipends for students doing public interest legal work. Some key packages that sold this year were, a group “tequila and tapas” tasting for $1,700, a 7-night stay in Cabo for $1,500, and a Pendleton Roundup package for $1,200.  The package included a hotel room, admission to the rodeo, a Pendleton blanket, Pendleton Whiskey, and a western purse to fit in at the Round-Up.

“Every year we set our goals,” said PILP President Laura Westmeyer. “The success of the 2015 auctions speaks to the tireless efforts of the PILP board, especially our auction directors and volunteers. Moreover, our success this year is a reminder that now, more than ever, public interest law is a need that the community supports and that PILP can do its part to help to provide. We are motivated and grateful to continue serving PILP’s mission for the next 25 years.”