Sonnenschein Helps Kansas Tornado Survivors Rebuild Their Community
September 3, 2008
(NEW YORK and GREENSBURG, Kan., September 3, 2008) — Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP today announced it is teaming up with the New York Says Thank You Foundation to help the people of Greensburg, Kan., rebuild their devastated community, which was destroyed by a tornado on May 4, 2007. A group of more than 20 attorneys, staff and guests from the law firm's Kansas City, Mo., office will travel to Greensburg from Sept. 4-7 to participate in what's being described as America's largest "barn raising." Sonnenschein is also contributing nearly $10,000 to the effort.
The mission of The New York Says Thank You Foundation is to commemorate the support given to New Yorkers by Americans from all across the country in the days, weeks and months following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Each year on the weekend preceding Sept. 11, the foundation sends volunteers from New York City, including firefighters, to help rebuild communities around the United States affected by natural or man-made disasters. This year, New York Says Thank You expects to recruit more than 250 people for the event.
Sonnenschein volunteers, working in partnership with Kiowa County EMA, 4-H Clubs, K-State Extension, South Central Kansas Tornado Recovery Organization, South Central Kansas Community Foundation, and as many as 1,000 individuals, will help rebuild the 14,000 square-foot main pavilion of Greensburg's 4-H County Fairgrounds. The building serves as a central gathering place each year for the families of Greensburg and neighboring towns.
"I am extremely proud of the effort that Sonnenschein is making to help this town in need," said Sonnenschein Chairman Elliott I. Portnoy. "Along with the New York Says Thank You Foundation, without whom this event would not be possible, we want the residents of Greensburg to know that we will be there to support them and we are eager to help them rebuild this vital landmark in the center of their community."
As part of its restoration, the town of Greensburg has committed itself to using an environmentally friendly approach to all new building projects, making it an ideal target for Sonnenschein's volunteer efforts. Earlier this year, the firm announced a new policy that will make it a leader in energy and natural resource conservation and sustainable business practices.
"I am proud that Sonnenschein is contributing to Greensburg's rebirth and that we are together at the forefront of the environmental sustainability movement," said Thomas C. Jensen, chair of Sonnenschein's Committee on Environmental Sustainability. "The steps we are taking demonstrate in very tangible ways how we can make our communities more resilient while strengthening our economy and protecting the environment."
At Sonnenschein, we are committed to providing the highest-quality legal and counseling services for all of our clients, all of the time. They include many of the world's most admired businesses, nonprofits and individuals. Through integrated, inter-office teamwork, we help them to prosper and grow. For more information, visit www.sonnenschein.com.
Media Contact:
Jeff Mutterperl
Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP
(212) 398-8470
jmutterperl@sonnenschein.com
