By Robin L. Babbitt, Partner, Bingham McHale LLP President-elect, Indianapolis Bar Foundation

Happy Holidays! Hopefully, this is the time of year that each of us can catch our breath and focus on how fortunate we are to be able to participate in this profession. Moreover, we are blessed to live in a vibrant and progressive community that boasts a wealth of legal and civic-minded “talent”. In the opinion of those of us who have served on the Foundation Board with him in 2010, John Maley’s name would have to go right at the top of that list.

Adoption of New Strategic IBF Plan

Here is what will come as no surprise to those who know him: John has used his considerable philanthropic skills and keen intellect to guide the IBF Board as its 2010 President into a period of transformative growth that will result in a subtle yet important restructuring. This change will allow the IBF Board to focus and increase its philanthropic mission in the years to come. It will spawn the creation of a new committee – the Impact Fund Committee – which will be populated by designated IBF officers and directors, specified IBF Committee Chairs and “at-large” members who are not members of the IBF Board. This committee will evaluate and explore ways to strengthen the IBF Board’s ability to support and promote many of the existing good works of IndyBar members (i.e., pro bono, Legal Lines, Ask a Lawyer, naturalization ceremonies, etc.) while seeking out new, innovative and focused ways to use IBF funds to provide the greatest impact for your charitable giving. This strategic path was approved by the IBF Board at its most recent meeting.

How You Can Help

Admittedly, few can claim to come close to the level of John Maley’s many contributions to the Indianapolis Bar Foundation and the IndyBar. What each of us can do, however, is to generously provide financial support to the IBF. As you know, there is no better time to do that then the present, in this season of giving. I would encourage each of you to dig deeply in order to support the efforts and mission of the IBF. As a Board, we commit to utilize those funds in ways that will make you proud to have contributed them.

In addition, when you see him, please thank John for his incredible service to the IBF. As you would expect, as Foundation Board President, John represented all of us in a manner that made us extremely proud to be counted as his colleagues. Please help us in displaying our gratitude for his efforts by writing a generous check to the Indianapolis Bar Foundation as part of your 2010 giving.

Donations made by made online at www.indybar.org.•