Play 21 on the 21st

By Maria Iacobo

Wine tasting in Malibu.  Bottle service for an unlimited number of guests at a Hollywood nightclub.  A private box for a Los Angeles Clippers game.

These are some of the opportunities available for your bid at USC Law’s annual Public Interest Law Foundation (PILF) auction.  

“The annual PILF Auction is our premiere event within the greater Los Angeles and USC communities for raising money for a fantastic cause,” said Valerie Gerard ’12, PILF’s fundraising chair. “All funds support grants that advance the educational interests of students while fostering an ethic of public service.”

This year’s auction theme -- “21” -- signifies both the 21st anniversary of the auction and the casino-style gaming that will be on offer. The site of the event, USC’s Tutor Campus Center ballroom, will be converted to a casino with tables for craps, roulette and blackjack. A silent auction will precede the live auction.  

Guests will enjoy an open beer and wine bar and unlimited hors d’oeuvres and pizza from California Pizza Kitchen. As they score raffle tickets on the casino floor, they will also be treated to a live jazz band and a performance by Lawcappella, USC Law’s singing troupe.  Cocktail attire is suggested.

The event will be held at the Tutor Campus Center on Friday, January 21 from 7:00 – 11:00 p.m.  Tickets are $40; $30 for students, in advance.  In addition to the open bar and food, tickets entitle each guest to $100 in “casino money.”

All proceeds from the event will fund summer grants that allow law students to work in a variety of public interest organizations this coming summer.  Last year, PILF funded grants for 37 USC Law students, and hopes to provide grants for more students this upcoming summer.

Need something to do on campus before the casino opens?

The Graduate and Professional Student Senate is sponsoring an event at Moreton Fig, an upscale restaurant and bar in the Tutor Campus Center.  Free food and discounted drinks will be served at the restaurant.  Chef Todd Koenigsberg – who studied under noted chefs Mario Batali and Bobby Flay – oversees the menu at Moreton Fig.

To inquire about making a donation, contact [email protected]