Commitment to the Community

Dow Lohnes is committed to giving back to the communities in which we live and work. In addition to our pro bono activities, Dow Lohnes supports a variety of organizations and initiatives dedicated to equal opportunity and the provision of assistance to those in need. Below is a representative list of those activities.

Cable Positive

Dow Lohnes is a proud supporter of Cable Positive, the cable and telecommunications industry's AIDS action organization. Cable Positive's mission is to use the resources and influence of the telecommunications industry to raise HIV/AIDS awareness and support HIV/AIDS education, prevention and care. Founded in 1992 by three cable executives, the organization includes supporters from every major network, trade association, media publication and affiliated industry vendors and suppliers. Len Baxt, the firm's Chairman, serves as an Honorary Chair of Cable Positive.

Heart to Hearts Campaign

Since its inception in 1999, Dow Lohnes has been a major supporter of the Heart to Hearts Campaign which was established to honor the memory of our friend and colleague, Michael P. Fisher. Over $3 million was raised initially to rename the cardiac intensive care unit at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta the Michael P. Fisher Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. The annual golf tournament and silent auction continues to raise money for the endowment that supports the unit - one of the top five pediatric cardiac centers in the country.

Angel Tree Program

For many years, Dow Lohnes also has been involved with the Association of Legal Administrators' Angel Tree Program, which provides gifts of clothing, shoes or toys for children in needy families assisted by The Salvation Army. This program brings new clothing and toys, and the gift of joy and sharing, to children who otherwise would do without during the holiday season. Each year, Dow Lohnes collects donations and shops for families in the program.

Lawyers Have Heart

Every summer since 1990, the American Heart Association has held the Lawyers Have Heart race and fun walk in Washington, DC, raising over $4 million in an effort to reduce disability and death from cardiovascular disease and stroke. Dow Lohnes has long participated in this rewarding event and, for the past eleven years, has won the title of "Law Firm with the Biggest Heart" by raising more money for Lawyers Have Heart than any other firm in the city. In 2008, Dow Lohnes once again donated over $20,000 to the American Heart Association.

Avon Breast Cancer Walk

Since 2000, Dow Lohnes has supported participation in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. This 3-day, 60 mile walk raises funds for the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade for breast cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment, support services and scientific research, including prevention and therapeutic vaccine studies. Beneficiaries range from leading cancer centers to community-based non-profit breast health programs. Team Dow Lohnes has raised more than $25,500 for this cause.

The Promina Corporate Run/Walk

Since 1999, Dow Lohnes has participated in the annual Promina Corporate Challenge. Each year, this 5K run/walk event draws over 25,000 participants in more than 600 local companies in Atlanta, Georgia. The event promotes team building for companies, brings local businesses together for fitness awareness, and raises funds for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta and the Atlanta Braves Youth Foundation.

Marriott Foundation Bridges Program

Each year, Dow Lohnes support the Marriott Foundation Bridges Program through the annual Bridges Dinner. The Bridges Program was established to help young people to bridge the gap from special education programs to work by developing and supporting employment opportunities. The program serves more than 1,000 young people annually, primarily in major urban centers such as the District of Columbia, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Atlanta and Philadelphia.

Legal Aid Organizations

Beside devoting attorney and staff time to a variety of pro bono matters, Dow Lohnes and our attorneys have a long tradition of providing leadership, financial support and other contributions to the legal aid organizations in our communities. For example, Dow Lohnes member Joyce Gwadz serves on both the Advisory Board of the Archdiocesan Legal Network and the Board of Directors of the Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia.

Over the years, the firm and our lawyers have been proud to make donations in support of the Lawyer's Committee for Human Rights and Urban Affairs, the Washington Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights, AARP Legal Counsel to the Elderly, the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless, the Appleseed Foundation and the International League for Human Rights, among other legal aid organizations. 

Other Community and Charitable Organizations

Dow Lohnes attorneys and staff also support and actively participate in a variety of other non-profit organizations, such as the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, Arts & Technology Public Charter School, the Atlanta Women's Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Children's Healthcare Foundation, the Georgia Alliance For Children, the International AIDS Society, James Renwick Alliance, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the Lupus Foundation, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Parkinson's Action Network, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the United Way Campaign, Washington Jesuit Academy, Women Empowered Against Violence, and Women in Cable Telecommunications.