Adams and Reese hosted its annual HUGS Holiday Reception Dec. 13, raising donations of food, clothing, household items, gift cards, children’s gifts and monetary gifts for three local nonprofit partners of the firm’s HUGS philanthropy program. This year’s reception, held at the Adams and Reese Tampa office in Bank of America Plaza, benefited 2016 HUGS partners United Way Suncoast, the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, and Metropolitan Ministries. The Tampa area organizations collectively provide vital support services for families living with generational poverty, sexual assault and abuse, domestic violence, substance abuse, emotional situational problems, homelessness and food insecurity.
Through its annual HUGS Holiday Reception, the Adams and Reese Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota offices celebrate the efforts of their HUGS partners and the vital support services they provide within the community.
Adams and Reese attorneys and staff were joined at the event by executives, board members and volunteers from the three nonprofit organizations. Attendees gifted donations chosen from the organizations’ wish lists, which were made available to invitees prior to the event. Guests also enjoyed refreshments and holiday music while socializing and learning more about each organization’s mission in the community.
Gifted donations included holiday toy gifts for children ages birth to 19; clothing for men, women and children; non-perishable food items; household and baby necessities; gift cards for local retailers; gas cards; and local bus passes.
Founded in 1988, the Adams and Reese’s HUGS program (Hope, Understanding, Giving and Support) serves as the firm’s employee volunteer program. Through HUGS, attorneys and staff across the firm’s regional footprint have donated volunteer time and financial resources to more than 200 partner organizations in various philanthropic projects throughout the year. Attorneys also perform at least 20 hours of pro bono work annually as part of the CA&RE (Caring Adams and Reese Employees) pro bono initiative.
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