Benjamin E. Smith Award Goes To Retired Judge Calvin Johnson

Award Dinner & Silent Auction on May 10

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: 504-522-0628

NEW ORLEANS - On Saturday, May 10, the American Civil Liberties of Union of Louisiana will hold its annual dinner and membership meeting at the Denechaud Room in the Le Pavillon Hotel on Poydras Street.

This year's dinner will honor retired New Orleans Judge Calvin Johnson.  Johnson has dedicated his life to fighting for civil rights and working to improve legal defense for poor people in Louisiana.  Johnson recently stepped down from the bench, and is now spearheading a project to develop services for mentally ill people caught in the court system.

The keynote speaker will be Kim Gandy, Loyola Law School alumna and current president of the National Organization of Women.  ACLU plaintiffs, attorneys and volunteers will also be honored at the event.

This year's event is sponsored by Dr. Bart Farris and Phelps Dunbar, LLP.  Entertainment will include flamenco guitar music and a silent auction featuring a white-gold ring set with four diamonds and a black pearl, tango lessons by Rafael Jarpa, an original painting by Alan Gerson, and political cartoons by Mike Lukovich, among other items.

Cocktail hour and the silent auction begin at 6 p.m. The dinner will run from 7-10 p.m.  Tickets are $70 per person, or $700 for a table of eight.  For more information or for tickets, visit www.laaclu.org and click on "donate," email admin@laaclu.org or call (504) 522-0617.