PILP Auction Recognizes U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer BA ’70, JD ’76

U.S. Representative Earl Blumenauer BA '70, JD '76; Dean Jennifer Johnson; staff member Reginald ... U.S. Representative Earl Blumenauer BA ’70, JD ’76; Dean Jennifer Johnson; staff member Reginald Raiford; and Jennie Huff.

More than 100 attorneys, students, faculty, and staff attended this year’s Public Interest Law Project (PILP) auction, including the Larry K. Amburgey Award recipient, U.S. Representative Earl Blumenauer BA ’70, JD ’76 (D-OR). PILP recognized Blumenauer’s commitment to public interest law, including his advocacy for transportation alternatives, housing choices, sustainable economies, and environmental protection.

PILP is a student-run organization that encourages and supports budding attorneys pursuing careers in public interest law. The auction is the group’s largest fundraiser, bringing together the Portland community to raise funds for the Summer Award Program and Loan Repayment Assistance Program.

Elizabeth Graves '19, Gayle Kern (the mother of Brooks Kern '19), and Sophie Shaddy-Farnsworth '2... Elizabeth Graves ’19, Gayle Kern (the mother of Brooks Kern ’19), and Sophie Shaddy-Farnsworth ’20.

This year’s event raised almost $40,000, thanks to the generosity of the attendees and the fine leadership of the auction directors, Caitlin Skulan ’19 and Andrew Linden ’19. PILP members and the organization’s officers—President Marija Boise ’18, Vice President Pendrey Trammell ’19, and Treasurer Elizabeth Graves ’19—also deserve credit for the successful fundraiser. Dozens of students procured, organized, and displayed donations; decorated the venue; donated items themselves; and marketed the auction, which had a theme based on The Secret Garden.

Since its inception, PILP’s Summer Awards have helped over 300 students finance more than 110,000 hours of public interest law work at no cost to their employers, supporting vital efforts on behalf of human rights organizations, Native American tribes, disability rights groups, conservation nonprofits, and other public interest organizations.

Marie Atwood '13 makes her bid. Marie Atwood ’13 makes her bid.