Law School hosts Fundraising Gala

The Truman Bodden Law School Student Society Annual Fundraising Gala took place on June 26. The gala is the Student Society’s main initiative to fundraise in order to support the needs of the law school students. This year, for the first time, the Student Society aimed to raise funds to provide a Caymanian Student with a scholarship.

The event packed 260 people in the Marriott hotel’s ballroom, the biggest turn out to any of the TBLS Student Society galas. Under the “All that Jazz” theme guests enjoyed an evening of live jazz music, entertainment and networking. The support of not only law firms but also government ministries such as the Ministry of Financial Services and Commerce and the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority made and impressionable impact. The students of the law school were able to attend the gala thanks to the generous sponsorship of student tickets by Davenport Developments and CILPA.

The Student Society team came together and worked tirelessly to provide its guest with an amazing event and also raise funds to support their fellow students. The Student Society has pulled off what has been the most successful gala ever organised by the student society despite challenges and the looing academic deadlines they were facing. The team led by Ghita Moyle (social chair and Liverpool representative) included Tiffany Titus (treasurer), Julie Campbell (President), Amber Watler (Vice President), Jewel Ebanks (Fundraising chair), Janet James (Fundraising and Operations chair), Sharon Roy (Class Representative), Jordan Watler (Class Representative).

Highlights of the evening include an inspirational speech by the Honourable Premier Wayne Panton who is also an alumni of TBLS. This year’s gala proceeds will also be shared with the Alex Panton Foundation and the Honourable Premier and his wife, Mrs Jane Panton, delivered a heart-warming message on behalf of the foundation. The Premier also delivered an inspirational message on the importance and value of legal education right at home in the Cayman Islands.

As always event’s such as the 2021 Student Society gala would not be possible without the support of generous sponsors such as Walkers, Harneys and Maples. These firms regularly attend the TBLS to give career advice and offered mentorship programs designed to assist students from the early stages of law school until their induction in the legal profession. Some of the firms have secondment programmes to overseas offices where young lawyers have the opportunity to travel as far as Asia and the Middle East, gaining invaluable exposure.

Many other sponsors have supported this event with monetary donations or in-kind donations. The wines and welcome cocktails were graciously sponsored by Kon Tiki Bottle Shop, Jacques Scott and Tortuga.

Guests were also treated to amazing prizes for raffles and auctions. The prizes included beautiful jewellery from Prodigy Jewellers, Island Jewellers and Kirk Freeport. A live painting by Carlos Garcia was put up for live auction and raised a whooping $5,200.

The Student Society address this year was a message of inspiration and empowerment. They discussed the importance of inspiring those around us with our actions and words whilst empowering them to achieve their goals. The Student Society closed their remarks with a challenge to use their powers for good and consider their positions as one of a role models in the community and to those coming up the ranks.

The TBLS Student Society is also organising a 5K walk/run scheduled to take place on 12 September 2021. The race is proudly sponsored by ABM Cleaning Services Ltd. and will allow for the Student Society to reach its fundraising objectives before the start of the upcoming academic year. Registration is available at: https://racecaribbean.net/event/truman-bodden-law-school-5k/ and for further information contact tbls.studentsociety@gmail.com.