The Inner City Law Center, which fights for housing and justice for the working poor, immigrants, individuals living with disabilities, and homeless veterans, will honor Alya and Dr. Gary K. Michelson with their Humanitarian Award on May 10.
Dr. Gary and Alya Michelson, Philanthropists
“We find it especially remarkable that while your philanthropies have focused on transformative, large scale solutions to difficult global issues, you also continue to demonstrate compassion for the same vulnerable and underserved individuals who come to Inner City Law Center for help,” Inner City Law Center CEO Adam Murray said in a letter to the Michelsons.
The 22nd annual event will benefit the Center’s fight to end homelessness and takes place at 11:30 a.m. on May 10 at the Omni Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. It will also be streamed online. Alston & Bird LLP will also be honored with the distinguished Katharine Krause Award for the firm’s many years of providing extensive pro bono legal services to those experiencing poverty or homelessness in Los Angeles.
The Inner City Law Center, the only legal-services provider located in Skid Row, noted the Michelsons’ “exemplary philanthropic efforts, including for those living on the streets of Los Angeles” and their commitment to serve immigrant women, veterans, the formerly incarcerated, and people who need help to stay housed with their pets.
“We find it especially remarkable that while your philanthropies have focused on transformative, large scale solutions to difficult global issues, you also continue to demonstrate compassion for the same vulnerable and underserved individuals.”
—Adam Murray, CEO of Inner City Law Center
More than 500 leaders from the Los Angeles legal, business, and civic communities are expected to attend the luncheon to recognize the honorees.
“Our 2022 honorees Alya and Dr. Gary Michelson and Alston & Bird LLP have shown limitless compassion and have provided meaningful solutions that help improve the lives and safety of our clients,” Murray said. “We are proud to recognize their significant efforts to assist people experiencing homelessness, people threatened with eviction, struggling veterans, individuals and families subjected to slum housing, and those living with HIV/AIDS.”
Past recipients of Inner City Law Center’s Humanitarian Award include Judge Harry Pregerson, Father Greg Boyle, developer Ed Roski, former L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and Inner City Law Center founder Nancy Mintie.
