Community Involvement
Public service is one of the core values of Hopping Green & Sams' attorneys and staff. We engage in civic, charitable, and pro bono work because it’s the right thing to do. We believe in supporting our Florida community where we live and make our living.
Hopping Green & Sams' attorneys and staff believe that the modern day practice of law requires commitment to our Florida community. For many years, HGS has respected the time-honored traditions of public service. Our commitment to our Florida community continues today. We are active in the national and state bar associations, and our attorneys frequently lecture at continuing legal education seminars around Florida and the southeast.
Attorneys and employees at our firm have been involved with service, civic, charitable, and pro bono organizations including, among others, the following:
Access to Care Committee of Physician's Outreach Program Richard Brightman, one of our shareholders, has long served as a member of and supported the Access to Care Committee of Physician’s Outreach Program of the Capital Medical Society which seeks to provide medical care to those who could not otherwise afford it.
American Bar Association Several HGS attorneys participate in ABA conferences and activities. Angela M. Uhland, one of our shareholders, serves in several key leadership roles in the Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources (SEER), including serving as Vice-Chairman of the Fall 2008 Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona.
American Cancer Society The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service. HGS supports the work of the American Cancer Society by providing financial support for its activities and mission.
American Red Cross Every year the American Red Cross responds to hundreds of local disasters, such as house fires (the majority of disaster responses), floods, storm disasters and other natural and human-made emergencies. The American Red Cross provides relief to victims of disaster and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. HGS has supported the work of the American Red Cross by providing funds for hurricane disaster response and for general operations.
Area Tallahassee Aquatic Club ATAC is a city sponsored, public access competitive swim team. ATAC, which has been in existence since 1966, is a competitive swim team for swimmers 5 years old to adults. ATAC’s mission is to provide a competitive swimming experience for all ages through professional education and instruction emphasizing successful experiences on a daily basis. ATAC programs include a progressive grouping by ability levels in the general competitive program; a special needs program for children and adults through the Challenger program; and a high school conditioning program. HGS attorneys and family members have participated in ATAC swimming for many years.
Big Bend Office of the Public Guardian The Office of Public Guardian, Inc., (OPG) serves adults with mental and/or physical disabilities as their court-appointed legal guardian when they are incapable of managing some or all of their affairs. The Office of Public Guardian, Inc., was established to act as a substitute decision-maker for those persons in the Big Bend Area who are functionally impaired to the extent that they require the protection of court intervention. The OPG provides quality public assistance in the form of guardianship services to vulnerable adults adjudicated incapacitated who have no family, friends, or resources to obtain a private guardian. HGS supports OPG through participation and financial sponsorship of its activities, including the annual True Colors Benefit Dinner celebrating OPG's work and the work of others that support the people served by OPG.
Boy Scouts of America The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. Several HGS lawyers and their family members have been members of the Boy Scouts. The Boy Scouts within the firm family often hold in-office fundraisers and popcorn sales to support their activities. In addition, the firm has provided financial support for the Boy Scout mission and activities.
Capital Medical Society The mission of the Capital Medical Society Foundation is to support the charitable efforts of physicians and others, increase access to healthcare, promote education and serve the community’s health needs through innovative projects that are exemplary, affordable and dignified. Since 1975, a charitable foundation has operated alongside the Capital Medical Society. HGS has for many years been a supporter of the Capital Medical Society Foundation and its mission and activities.
Children's Home Society Vicki Weber, one of our shareholders, is a member of the statewide Board of Directors for the Children’s Home Society which is known for its mission to embrace and inspire children. Virginia Dailey, a shareholder, is a member of the Board of Directors for the Children’s Home Society of North Central Florida. Several attorneys in our firm provide pro bono legal services through the Children’s Home Society Adoption Program, for families with domestic or international adoptions. In 2009 alone, HGS lawyers assisted in the adoption of 12 children, finding loving homes for these children. The firm has been involved with Children’s Home Society for more than 20 years.
Recently, Vicki Weber was recognized as the North Central Florida Division’s “R. David Thomas Child Advocate of the Year,” the highest honor awarded by the Children’s Home Society. A number of years ago, Carolyn Raepple, one of our shareholders, and her husband Roger Raepple also received the R. David Thomas Child Advocate of the Year award.
Shareholder Virginia Dailey won the 2008 Special Events Volunteer of the Year Award from the North Central Chapter of Children’s Home Society, in recognition of her successful chairmanship of the “Turning Lives Around” luncheon, which raised in excess of $150,000 to be used to provide services to area children. Pictured with her are CHS Development Director Chris Decent, Board Chair Allison Tant, and CHS Executive Director David Overstreet
Coastal Conservation Association Florida - Big Bend Chapter CCA Florida is a statewide, nonprofit marine conservation organization working in an advocacy role to protect the state’s marine resources and the interests of saltwater anglers. Comprised of 28 local chapters from Pensacola to Key West, CCA supports strong, resource-based law enforcement, access to the resource for recreational fishing, and balanced fishery regulations to protect state and federal fish stocks. CCA Florida is one of 15 state chapters of the Coastal Conservation Association. HGS provides financial support to aid in the mission of the CCA.
Children's Miracle Network Children's Miracle Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children¹s hospitals across North America. Each year the 170 Children's Miracle Network hospitals provide the finest medical care, life-saving research and preventative education to help millions of kids overcome diseases and injuries of every kind.
Ducks Unlimited The mission of Ducks Unlimited is to conserve, restore and manage wetlands and associated habitats for North America's waterfowl. HGS has several attorneys who are members, and has provided financial support to the mission and activities of Ducks Unlimited.
Friends of the Leroy Collins Leon County Public Library The Friends of the Library have sponsored projects and expenditures, which extend beyond the command of the normal Library budget, for the past 50 years. They build community interest, pride, and financial support for local Library programs, and sepcifically provide books, literacy and educational materials to assist our entire community. HGS supports the Friends of the Library through participation and financial sponsorship of its activities, including the annual Celebrity Author Event.
Florida 4-H Foundation HGS supports the Florida 4-H Foundation each year with its Tallahassee Reception and Auction. The auction is held each year to raise awareness of 4-H among Florida Legislators, staff and the community. The auction raises much needed funds for: awards and recognition of youth members; travel scholarships allowing 4-H’ers to attend out-of-state activities and competitions; and “camperships” so youth can attend a 4-H camp during the summer. The donation ensures the 4-H program continues to produce leaders in their communities, states and our nation.
FSU College of Law HGS supports the FSU College of Law in many ways. HGS is proud that one of our shareholders, Vicki Weber, was chosen to serve on the prestigious Board of Visitors for the College of Law. HGS has for several years sponsored scholarships for students focusing in the area of land use law. HGS has also participated for several years in seminars for minority students who are considering law school. In addition, HGS sponsors a reception each year for the students involved with the FSU College of Law Journal of Land Use and Environmental Law. Further, several HGS attorneys have taught courses at the College of Law and sponsored scholarships for law students.
Florida Research Consortium The Florida Research Consortium is a strategic partnership between Florida’s Universities and the business community focused on enhancing progressive research programs at Florida’s public and private universities. Bill Green, a shareholder, is a member of the FRC Board of Directors. The FRC is focused on enhancing cutting-edge research programs at Florida’s public and private universities and adding to the diversity and strength of Florida's technology economy through the commercialization of that research.
Goodwood Museum Goodwood Museum and Gardens, Inc. is a private foundation created to restore the historic Goodwood estate, develop the estate into a museum and garden, and make these unique resources available to the public. HGS has provided financial contributions to support the mission of the Goodwood Museum for many years.
Guardian Ad Litem Our firm recently sponsored a local charity bowling tournament benefiting Guardian Ad Litem, held by Clear Channel/WNLS1270, in November 2006. Guardian Ad Litem is a pro bono organization through which attorneys can provide legal services to help abused and neglected children.
Gary Hunter, one of our shareholders, represented the firm at this event. Here you see Gary with local radio personality Jeff Cameron, and some of the toys and gifts that were collected for needy children at this bowling tournament.
Habitat for Humanity The skilled labor of HGS lawyers and staff was put to task in May 2003 when over 25 volunteers lent a hand for the Tallahassee Bar Association’s Habitat for Humanity home.
Keep Tallahassee-Leon County Beautiful Mike Petrovich, one of our shareholders, serves on the Board of Directors of Keep Tallahassee-Leon County Beautiful. Keep Tallahassee-Leon County Beautiful (KTLCB) is a non-profit organization committed to keeping the local community beautiful. It is a volunteer-based organization that takes personal responsibility toward Tallahassee’s and Leon County’s environment. KTLCB is dedicated to keeping the community litter-free and educated about recycling, solid waste and our environment.
Kids Voting Leon County Kids Voting Leon County is the local affiliate of Kids Voting USA, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that engages students and families in voting. The program combines dynamic classroom civic lessons with an authentic voting experience that mirrors the official voting process. Several of our attorneys and staff have been leaders in this organization for more than a decade.
In November 2006, firm attorneys and staff decorated the office to support Kids Voting and encourage kids and adults to vote!
Knott House Museum HGS has a special relationship with the Knott House, our neighbor. The Knott House, which began as a family home in Florida’s colonial era, is a uniquely furnished home of a poet and a politician. After the Civil War, Union General Edward Moody McCook used the building that is today the Knott House Museum as his headquarters. On May 20, 1865, he read the Emancipation Proclamation from the front steps. Each May the Knott House re-enacts this historic event. Brian Bibeau, an HGS Shareholder, plays the part of General McCook during the reenactment ceremony.
Leadership Florida Leadership Florida is a prestigious members-only organization for leaders in Florida. The mission of Leadership Florida is to build a strong, diverse statewide network of leaders with a shared commitment to connect our communities and to make Florida a better place in which to live and prosper. Several HGS attorneys have been invited to membership in Leadership Florida and have served in volunteer and leadership positions in the Tallahassee area and throughout the state.
Leadership Tallahassee Established in 1983 by The Chamber as a way to stimulate the growth of leadership in the Tallahassee community then and for years to come, Leadership Tallahassee’s mission is to cultivate a diverse network of emerging and experienced leaders committed to improving the community. A not-for-profit organization, Leadership Tallahassee accomplishes its mission through youth and adult programs that are created and developed by Leadership Tallahassee alumni and staff. Four HGS attorneys (Richard Brightman, Brian Crumbaker, Cheryl Stuart and Angela Morrison Uhland) are alumni of Leadership Tallahassee and continue to be involved through volunteer and leadership positions.
Legal Services of North Florida Each year, HGS helps to fulfill the Supreme Court’s aspirational pro bono service goal by donating funds to two very deserving organizations in the Tallahassee area, including Legal Services of North Florida, Inc. Legal Services of North Florida (LSNF) is a private non profit corporation dedicated to providing free legal representation to low income people with civil legal problems in a sixteen-county area. Client eligibility is based on financial income and asset guidelines set by the federal government. Cases are also screened based on a variety of factors including case type.
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Leon County Humane Society The Leon County Humane Society (LCHS) is a membership-supported, no-kill organization. The firm has supported LCHS for many years, including through the efforts of one of our shareholders, Ralph DeMeo. The mission of the LCHS is: "To promote animal well-being." The LCHS has several purposes: "To relieve animal suffering, to prevent animal cruelty, to eliminate the overpopulation of animals, to promote humane education and to enhance the human/animal bond."
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services. The firm has supported the Society for many years.
Mary Brogan Museum of Art & Science The mission of The Mary Brogan Museum of Art and Science is to stimulate interest in, and understanding of, how visual arts, sciences, mathematics, and technology connect through exploration and discovery experiences that educate and inspire. HGS has provided financial support for the Mary Brogan Museum mission and activities. The firm has supported the Museum for many years.
Southeastern Community Blood Center For the last several years, our Firm’s attorneys and staff have participated in a quarterly blood drive for the Southeastern Community Blood Center. Below are photos from the most recent blood drive in January 2010
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Tallahassee Animal Shelter Foundation The Tallahassee Animal Shelter Foundation, Inc. (ASF) is a not-for-profit foundation formed to provide financial and other support to the Tallahassee Animal Service Center, a City of Tallahassee agency. The mission of the ASF is: “To make a positive difference in the lives of homeless animals by educating the community, encouraging responsible pet ownership and providing veterinary care and other resources to support the animals in the care of the Tallahassee Animal Service Center." The Vision of the ASF is: "To build a humane community where all animals are cared for in healthy homes and all citizens practice responsible pet ownership.” One of our shareholders, Ralph DeMeo, has long served on the board of directors for ASF and the firm has been a supporter of the ASF mission and activities for many years.
Tallahassee Bar Association Several attorneys at HGS are involved in the Tallahassee Bar Association, a voluntary bar association comprised of local attorneys, judges, law professors, and law students. The TBA was founded in 1919 and its purpose is to promote fellowship among the legal community, enhance the legal profession, and serve the community. The TBA is involved in important community activities, including community legal education and fundraising. TBA members participate in the Celebrity Waiter fundraising event for Legal Aid and act as coaches and judges for local mock trial and moot court competitions. Members also attend monthly meetings and various social events allowing them to interact with fellow members of the Tallahassee legal community. Members of the TBA generally provide pro-bono legal services as part of their membership. The TBA also provides continuing legal education opportunities for its members.
Tallahassee Film Society Tallahassee Film Society has been in existence for over a decade organizing film presentation events, operating the All Saints Cinema, supporting local filmmakers and locally-made films, and exhibiting films in local city parks, and an annual “Creature from the Black Lagoon” fall film extravaganza (“Creaturefest”). Several HGS attorneys have been involved in the Tallahassee Film Society for many years, and the firm often organizes a film event as part of our summer associate program each year.
Tallahassee Little Theatre The Tallahassee Little Theatre (TLT) is Tallahassee’s oldest and largest private community theatre. The mission of the TLT is to create opportunities for community participation in enriching theatrical experiences. The TLT produces at least eight theatrical productions of high artistic quality each year. For several years, HGS attorneys and family members have served as actors and volunteers with TLT productions, served as members of the board of directors, and provided financial support for TLT productions.
Tallahassee Memorial Health Care Foundation HGS supports the Tallahassee Memorial Health Care Foundation each year. The Foundation provides funding for a different health-related cause each year; last year, the Foundation focused on women with gestational diabetes and their newborn children.
Tallahassee Rotary Three shareholders, Bill Green, Gary Hunter, and Kent Safriet, are active in local Rotary Clubs. Rotary International is the world’s first service club organization whose more than 1.2 million members volunteer their time and talent to further the Rotary motto, “Service Above Self.” Among other accomplishments, the Rotary International free vaccination program has nearly stamped out polio on the planet.
Tallahassee Scientific Society Tallahassee Scientific Society was established in 1989 to enhance interest, literacy and educational programs in the sciences in our community. TSS programs have especially benefited the preparation and training of science educators of K - 12 schools, and have raised public awareness of science through its prominent lecture series. Our very own Bill Green was a co-founder of TSS, served on its Board of Directors for sixteen years, and served as its President for a number of years; HGS initiated the Lannutti Lecture Endowment and continues to support the TSS public outreach program.
Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra The Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra, Inc. (TSO) is a resident, professional symphony orchestra, producing musical performances of the highest artistic quality. The TSO’s numerous orchestra members include professional musicians from the community, the faculty from the College of Music at Florida State University (FSU), and graduate students from the University. Its performances, led by renowned Maestra Miriam Burns, appeal to a broad and diverse community that supports its programs through voluntary contributions. HGS supports the TSO through Bill Green’s membership on its Board of Directors and general support of its event.
Tallahassee-Leon County Shelter Gary Perko, one of our shareholders, serves on the Tallahassee-Leon County Shelter Board of Directors which provides shelter to the homeless.
Turn About, Inc. Hopping Green and Sams supports Turn About’s unique contribution to the Tallahassee community. Jim Alves served on the Turn About Board of Directors for several years, including serving as President of the Board. Hopping Green and Sams continues to support Turn About through financial contributions and providing assistance on legal issues.
United Way HGS supports the United Way of the Big Bend in many ways. The United Way’s mission is to lead and inspire the region to work together as a community, collectively caring for one another and enhancing the quality of life for all. Many HGS attorneys and staff make payroll-deduction contributions to the United Way on an annual basis. In addition, many HGS attorneys and staff serve in volunteer and leadership positions with committees within the United Way and with United Way member agencies. For example, Virginia Dailey serves on the Steering Committee for the United Way’s “Power of the Purse” Initiative, an effort aimed at encouraging professional women to make charitable donations at the same level as those made by professional men.
University of Florida College of Law HGS has been a friend and supporter of the UF College of Law for decades. One of our shareholders, Richard Brightman, sits on the Executive Committee of the Steering Council for the College of Law's Environmental and Land Use Law Program. HGS is also a primary sponsor of the annual Environmental Speaker Series at UF College of Law, as well as a sponsor of its annual Public Interest Environmental Conference.
Requests for the firm’s support for such organizations are considered by our contributions committee. If your organization has a particular need with which we might be able to help, either financially or through volunteer efforts, please contact us at questions@hgslaw.com or 850-222-7500.