American College of Bankruptcy Announces Formation of Michael L. Cook Extraordinary Grant
Washington, DC (PRWEB) March 24, 2016 -- The American College of Bankruptcy Foundation announced that it has established its first extraordinary grant in honor of Michael L. Cook, whose two-year term as Chair of the American College of Bankruptcy concluded this past weekend.
Mr. Cook, a New York-based partner in the law firm of Schulte Roth & Zabel, served as Chair and President of the College and Chair of its Board of Regents during the period from 2010-2016, and as Chair of the Pro Bono Committee from 2008-2010. “During both his many years of exemplary service to the College and his long and distinguished career, Mike has been a tireless advocate, visionary leader and relentless fund-raiser on behalf of programs that provide pro bono legal services throughout the United States,” said G. Christopher Meyer, who succeeds Mr. Cook as Chair of the College.
The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization established by the American College of Bankruptcy to promote the ends of justice through educational and charitable activities. Its primary mission is to provide financial support through grants to legal aid programs providing pro bono bankruptcy services for indigent consumer debtors across the country. In 2015 the Foundation made grants totaling $320,000 to 34 organizations operating in 17 states and the District of Columbia.
“Under Mike’s leadership of the College, the past several years have seen unprecedented growth for the Foundation,” said Foundation Chair Mark D. Bloom, noting that donations from College Fellows have doubled over the last four years and total grants have increased six times over since 2007. “It was only fitting that we recognize Mike’s exceptional influence by creating our first-ever extraordinary grant in his name. The “Michael L. Cook Extraordinary Grant” will be awarded from time to time to a legal services organization that offers an innovative and exemplary approach to a previously under-served area of need.”
The American College of Bankruptcy Foundation is believed to be the nation’s largest provider of funding and resources to legal services organizations offering pro bono bankruptcy services to consumer debtors. The Foundation maintains an active website for donations and grant requests, located at http://www.americancollegeofbankruptcy.com/foundation.
Shari Bedker, American College of Bankruptcy, http://www.amercol.org, +1 (434) 939-6004, [email protected]
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