2024 Excellence Awards

2024 Excellence Awards graphic


Thank You to All who Purchased Tickets and will be Attending!
Ticket Sales have Ended for this Event.

At the core of our Excellence Awards is an inspiring unity. This unity is built upon the relentless dedication of advocates in our Network, the steadfast support of our private bar partners, and the collaborative spirit of community leaders. Their collective efforts not only expand access to civil legal services but also light the way towards justice and equality for Pennsylvania's marginalized and low-income residents.

Every year, we celebrate these outstanding individuals, groups, and initiatives through our Excellence Awards, culminating in an event highlighting the enduring impact of their contributions.

Below are the distinguished winners of the 2024 Excellence Awards. Their remarkable contributions have made a profound impact on countless individuals and families, embodying the true spirit of justice and service:

Outstanding Attorney Advocate Award

Donna Allen-Rosemond, Esq. 
Senior Staff Attorney, Neighborhood Legal Services

Erica N. Briant, Esq. 
Director of Community Engagement & Training, Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania

_________________________

Outstanding Community Advocacy Award

Jane A. Downing 
Former Senior Program Officer, Economic and Community Development, The Pittsburgh Foundation 

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Outstanding Non-Attorney Advocate Award

Janice L. Meinert, MSW 
Paralegal, Pennsylvania Health Law Project

Gigi Nikpour 
Employment Unit Paralegal, Community Legal Services of Philadelphia

_________________________

Outstanding Pro Bono Advocacy Award

Winebrake & Santillo, LLC


The 2024 Excellence Awards will take place on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at the Hilton Harrisburg. The event will commence with a cocktail reception at 5:00 PM, where guests are invited to enjoy a selection of beverages and hors d'oeuvres as we set the stage for an evening of celebration. 

Lt. Governor Austin A. DavisWe are honored to welcome Lt. Governor Austin A. Davis as the Keynote Speaker for this year's Excellence Awards event. 

The program, emceed by former PLAN, Inc. Executive Director Sam Milkes, will be highlighted by the presentation of the 2024 Awards, including a personalized video tribute to each of the recipients celebrating their remarkable achievements.  Order of Events

2024 Excellence Awards - Meet the Honorees
Meet Our Keynote Speaker: Lt. Governor Austin A. Davis

Tickets

Tickets for the event are available at an early-bird rate of $75 per person if purchased before March 1, 2024. Ticket purchases made on and after March 1 will be available at a rate of $90 per person. 

Tickets will be available through Wednesday, March 20, 2024.

Hotel Accommodations

A limited number of hotel rooms are available at the Hilton Harrisburg for the evening of March 27, 2024, at a special rate of $189. This rate is guaranteed until February 27, 2024, or until all rooms are sold. Hotel accommodations are available on a first come, first served basis. PLAN, Inc. cannot guarantee availability of rooms. Reservations can be made by calling the hotel and using the code 948, or by booking online using this link: Excellence Hotel Reservations

Sponsorship and Advertising

Thank you to all our sponsors and advertisers! 

At this time, we are unable to accept any further ads or acknowledge additional sponsorships in the program booklet due to our publishing deadline. However, we are happy to receive additional sponsorships and will acknowledge any submissions below. 

To view our sponsorship opportunities, or to make a donation in any amount to support the Excellence Awards, view this link: Sponsorship Opportunities

Transportation: 

Driving? See driving directions from Google Maps. 

Taking the train? See walking directions from the Harrisburg Amtrak Station. 

Parking: 

Valet parking is available at the entrance of the hotel. Guests who wish to self-park may use the Walnut Street Garage, which has direct access to the hotel. 

Walnut Street Garage
215 Walnut Street      
Harrisburg, PA 17101

On-street parking is also available and enforced by meter, Monday through Saturday from 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM.     
     
PLEASE NOTE:  Free on-street parking is available in downtown Harrisburg, on Second Street in front of the Hilton (from Market Street to State Street), from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM. To avoid parking fines and violations, please check meters for rates, payment options, and time limits in each zone. 


Thank You to our Sponsors!

We extend heartfelt appreciation to our dedicated sponsors for their unwavering support, which underscores the significance of our mission to ensure access to justice for all. 

A special thank you to our in-kind sponsor, The Hershey Company, for their donation of candy favors for our guests and for their generous contribution of a 5lb Hershey chocolate bar, which guests will have the opportunity to bid on during the course of our program. 

Event Details

Wednesday, March 27, 2024
5:00 PM-7:30 PM Eastern

Hilton Harrisburg
One North Second Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Directions

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