Annual Meeting Celebrates Karen DeCrow and CNYWBA's 35th Anniversary
The Central New York Women's Bar Association (CNYWBA) held its Annual Meeting on April 23, 2015 to celebrate the life of Karen DeCrow and the organization's 35th anniversary. The event was held at the Palace Theater in the Eastwood neighborhood of Syracuse, New York. Attendees included members of CNYWBA, the Women's Bar Association of the State of New York (WBASNY), the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU), the National Organization of Women (NOW), and Planned Parenthood of Central & Western New York.
The event saw the debut of a documentary produced by CNYWBA and WBASNY about the life and work of CNYWBA founder, Karen DeCrow. Karen passed away on June 6, 2014 after a life dedicated to promoting gender equality and protecting civil liberties. The film, narrated by CNYWBA Past President, Hon. Deborah Karalunas, chronicled Karen's childhood as well as her many victories on behalf of women and people everywhere. The film was produced by local filmmaker, Tad Fundalinski.
Those in attendance were treated to an evening of festivity, full of food, drink, and great company. A number of the elements of the evening celebrated things that Karen loved. Those in attendance at the event were treated to live music by Candlelight Music and the evening concluded with a "cheap" champagne toast to Karen.
CNYWBA extends its gratitude to Annaleigh Porter, who chaired the event, and the planning committee made up of Hon. Minna Buck, Hon. Deborah Karalunas, Hon. Karen Uplinger, Briana Fundalinski, Jillian McGuire, Julia Martin, Samantha Millier, and Kimberly Morrell.
CNYWBA also wishes to thank its generous sponsors:
Platinum Sponsor: Women's Bar Association of the State of New York
Gold Sponsors: The Women's Initiative of Bond Schoeneck & King PLLC
Silver Sponsors: Action Reporting Service
Onondaga County Bar Association
Bronze Sponsors: DeFrancisco & Falgiatano
Legal Services of Central New York