September 26, 2026 from 6:30-10:30 pm
Special Events
National Constitution Center45th Anniversary Gala
Opening Doors to Advocacy: Celebrating 45 Years of Pro Bono
In 1981, a group of service-minded Philadelphia lawyers founded a volunteer program in response to federal funding cuts to civil legal aid. Forty-five years later, Philadelphia VIP and our legal volunteers still open doors for hundreds of Philly residents, small businesses, and nonprofits annually.
We’re so excited to celebrate with our volunteers, friends, and supporters on September 26th! Ticket sales are now closed, but you can still be part of the night by making a gift to the Lee Zimmerman Memorial Fund, the focus of our fundraising that evening.
In Memoriam: Lee Zimmerman
On November 9, 2025, Philadelphia VIP’s community lost one of its guiding lights: our former Board President, longtime volunteer, and steadfast advocate, Lee Zimmerman.
Lee was a dedicated volunteer with a special commitment to representing Philadelphia businesses and nonprofits pro bono. He championed VIP within his own workplace, TE Connectivity. Through his mentorship and advocacy, he blazed a trail for corporate counsel to pursue meaningful pro bono activities through Philadelphia VIP.
In memory of Lee and in honor of his years of service to VIP’s community economic development initiative, the proceeds from tonight’s Gala will support the newly-created Lee Zimmerman Memorial Fund, which was inaugurated by Lee’s friends and colleagues to aid Philadelphia VIP’s program growth.
Anniversary Sponsors
TE Connectivity
Morgan Lewis
Troutman Pepper Locke
Dechert
Presenting Sponsors
Barnes & Thornburg
Faegre Drinker
Diamond Sponsors
DLA Piper
Blank Rome
Fox Rothschild
Duane Morris
Cozen O’Connor
Reed Smith
Bob and Didi Scott
Greenberg Traurig
Eisenberg Winkler Jeck Schwartz Schoenhaus & Sherry
Platinum Sponsors
Ballard Spahr
Chubb
Comcast
Feldman Shepherd Wohlgelernter Tanner Weinstock Dodig
McCarter & English
Tobey Oxholm
Pond Lehocky Giordano
Michael and Elaine Reilly
Saul Ewing
Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young
Gold Sponsors
Association of Corporate Counsel Greater Philadelphia
Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney
Dilworth Paxson
Gay Chacker & Ginsburg
JAMS
Lincoln Financial Group
Bethany Nikitenko
Philadelphia Bar Association
Robinson & Cole
Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky
White and Williams
Double Your Impact
In recognition of our 45th anniversary, a generous donor will match up to $100,000 in new and increased commitments this year. Don’t miss this opportunity to multiply your gift with a sponsorship or by joining our Patrons Circle.
Patrons Circle
Individual donors and their families can support VIP by joining our Patrons Circle.
Each gift tier includes Gala tickets and carries opportunities for special recognition as a VIP supporter, such as the chance to sponsor VIP’s Champion Awards and contribute to a legacy fund honoring the memory of our late Board President Lee Zimmerman. Learn more on page three of our Sponsorship Packet.
Law Firm & Corporate Sponsorship
Show your support for VIP’s mission by sponsoring the Anniversary Gala.
Explore preset sponsorship and benefit levels on page two of our Sponsorship Packet, or contact Development Manager Jennifer Hwang to customize a gift and benefit package that meets your strategic marketing objectives.
Gala Details
The Gala will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026 from 6:30-10:30 pm at the National Constitution Center at 525 Arch Street. Guests will enjoy dancing, live music by the West Philadelphia Orchestra, and a three-course dinner catered by Rhubarb.
Silent Auction: Support VIP by bidding on our Anniversary Auction! Items from past auctions include international getaways, private lessons with celebrity chefs, Philly sports packages, vintage art and collectibles, and more. To support VIP with your own addition to the auction or raffle, submit your information here or email Jennifer Hwang.
Dinner and awards at VIP's 40th Anniversary Gala
Cocktail reception and auction at VIP's 40th Anniversary Gala