In observance of Anti-Bullying month in October, the Phoenix office of Quarles & Brady LLP joined together with its sister offices nationwide the week of October 7 to show support, raise awareness and raise funds towards anti-bullying efforts.
“Given my personal commitment to the anti-bullying initiative in Phoenix and beyond, coupled with our firm’s commitment to both the cause and a nationwide charitable effort this October – National Anti-Bullying Month – I was proud to jump in head first at this opportunity to educate and advocate for this cause,” said Phoenix partner Nicole France Stanton, who has made anti-bullying advocacy her public platform as the First Lady of Phoenix since her husband, Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton, took office in 2012.

The initiative kicked off October 7 with a national video message from France Stanton, as well as an introduction from Kimberly Leach Johnson, who is Quarles & Brady’s national chair. This was followed later in the week by a video conference program to all employees featuring special guest speaker R. Bradley Snyder, who is the author of “The 5 Simple Truths of Raising Kids;” an orange dress day to raise funds for local anti-bullying programs; and finally a check presentation to a local anti-bullying nonprofit called one n ten, which is dedicated to serving and assisting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. This was the charity of choice of Mark Vilaboy, a beloved partner in the local office who passed away in January 2013. His husband was on hand as part of this presentation.

This program and fundraising effort marked the first Quarles Cares initiative that took place at the same time at all offices nationwide.

“Quarles Cares is a firmwide effort to connect directly with local communities, to best understand the residents’ needs. Through the volunteer initiatives, attorneys and staff commit themselves personally to civic and charitable efforts, and their personal growth is reflected in the workplace. Over the last several years, the primary areas of focus have been hunger and education, but whatever the cause, Quarles Cares’ focal point is hands-on volunteerism,” said said Jon E. Pettibone, Phoenix office managing partner.

For more information, please visit www.quarles.com.