Celebrate Hope Spring Benefit 

May 3, 2023

Thank you to everyone who attended, donated, sponsored, and supported Partners during the 2023 Spring Benefit. It was an exceptionally special night for us as we celebrated our 20th anniversary of helping to transform lives through justice, heard from former Partners client Esther who inspired everyone in the room, and honored a group of extraordinary individuals who have been pillars of the Partners community – Jim Axelrod, Barbara E. Kauffman, the Pro Bono team at Connell Foley, and Randi Kochman.

We are thrilled to announce that over $400,000 was raised that night – the largest Spring Benefit in Partners history! This money will help end the cycle of violence for thousands more people in New Jersey as Partners continues to work on behalf of those suffering from domestic violence and sexual abuse.

You can view the photo gallery from the evening by clicking HERE.

2023 HONOREES AND SPECIAL RECOGNITION

JIM AXELROD

PARTNER IN HOPE AWARD

Jim is the Chief Investigative and Senior National Correspondent for CBS News and reports across all CBS News programs and platforms. He’s covered stories from Iraq to Afghanistan to the White House, and his reporting has been recognized with Peabody, Polk, DuPont, and Emmy awards. He has been a supporter of Partners and its mission of social justice for many years.

BARBARA E. KAUFFMAN

PARTNER IN HOPE AWARD

Building networks is one of Barbara’s strengths and her corporate, government and nonprofit network is extensive. In her current role as Strategic Advisor at Newark Regional Business Partnership, Barbara continues to drive organizational branding to fulfill its mission to “Connect Business for a Greater Newark.” Barbara also serves at Corporate Relations Director at NJIT’s Martin Tuchman School of Management. Barbara has dedicated her time and efforts to empowering women in Newark, Essex County and beyond, and has been a shining example to those in the Partners community.

THE PRO BONO TEAM AT CONNELL FOLEY

PARTNER IN JUSTICE AWARD

Connell Foley is dedicated to enriching the communities in which we work and live. They tirelessly volunteer their time, skills and passion to social service and community organizations. Most recently, a team of women lawyers from Connell Foley led by Patricia Lee and Meghan Musso filed an appeal challenging the denial of a final restraining order after a bench trial along with motions to reinstate the temporary restraints. Under the supervision of Patti and Meghan, Hannah Teller and Yvette Donaldson Brown crafted a well-reasoned brief highlighting the increased risk of harm to victims after separating from their abuser. They continue to advocate for justice and safety for the survivor. For their exceptional appellate advocacy, we are honored to bestow the Partners in Justice Award upon the Connell Foley team.

RANDI W. KOCHMAN, Esq.

PARTNER IN JUSTICE AWARD

A co-managing shareholder and chair of the Employment Practice at Cole Schotz P.C., Randi is dedicated to helping employers navigate complicated and ever-changing employment laws. As co-chair of the firm’s DEI Committee, Randi helps guide the firm in its hiring practices and community affairs. Randi has been involved with the Commerce and Industry Association of NJ and has held various leadership positions with the NJ Women Lawyers Association. Randi has been on the Partners Board of Trustees since 2016.