Skipping the Party to Pay It Forward

Rockville, MD, September 05, 2008 --(PR.com)-- Stein, Sperling, Bennett, De Jong, Driscoll & Greenfeig, P.C., one of suburban Maryland's largest full service law firms, today announced that it is celebrating its 30th year by giving $30,000 back to the community rather than spending it on the typical anniversary party. With greater aspirations than its traditional holiday charitable giving program, Stein Sperling designed a year-long philanthropic initiative to provide financial support to deserving charities within the Metropolitan Washington, D.C. area. Approaching its actual anniversary in October 2008, the Firm’s “30 for 30 Program” has finalized the first phase of direct gift projects largely focused on serving children in need.

Two projects involved helping underprivileged children maintain a sense of normalcy and afford them with the same opportunities as other children. Stein Sperling covered expenses for one year for The Storybook Project which provides incarcerated mothers with books, audio tapes and CDs to read and record stories for their children. The Firm also offered scholarships to send 10 disadvantaged students in The Round House Theatre’s summer program to camp. Maggie Horn, Corporate, Foundation and Government Grants Officer of Round House Theatre says, “What a wonderful way for Stein Sperling to celebrate its 30 years of service to the community! Thank you for including Round House Theatre.”

The Playtime Project and Shelter Plus Care Program of the Capitol Hill Group Ministry were also part of the first phase of charitable projects. The Playtime Project, a program that supports families in four shelters and transitional housing across Washington D.C., was presented with a donation from Stein Sperling which was used to purchase backpacks filled with fun summer activities for children. Stein Sperling also contributed funds to enable the Shelter Plus Care Program to buy school uniforms for over 50 children.

Hearts and Homes for Youth, a Maryland agency focused on helping at-risk youth, required financial assistance for a recreation room in one of its therapeutic group homes. Beyond funding the project, several Stein Sperling staff members were instrumental in designing the space and furnishing the room with a variety of board games, movies and toys, foosball, air hockey and ping-pong tables, a television and DVD player, and new tables and chairs. “These kids have been through so much in their short lives,” states Paul Stein, a founding principal of Stein Sperling. “We just wanted to give them some of their childhood back.”

“Since 1978, community service has always been a part of Stein Sperling’s core values, but this year we wanted our involvement to have an even greater impact,” adds Stein. “The decision to give $30,000 back to the community has been significantly more rewarding than throwing a lavish anniversary party. There is no better way to celebrate a wonderful 30 years in business.”

Over the years, Stein Sperling has been actively involved in the ongoing support of such charities as the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Children’s Hospital, Project Access, and the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless. The Firm will continue its philanthropy efforts throughout 2008 with upcoming projects centered on community outreach partnerships.

About Stein, Sperling, Bennett, De Jong, Driscoll & Greenfeig P.C.:
Stein, Sperling, Bennett, De Jong, Driscoll & Greenfeig, P.C. is one of the largest law firms in Montgomery County, Maryland. The Firm currently employs over 40 attorneys and offers legal services in multiple practice areas including: business law, tax law, civil litigation, construction law, employment law, estate planning and probate, family law, injury law, criminal law and real estate & commercial leasing.

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