Video presentation Honoring Judge Marcia C. Cooke (1954-2023)
The South Florida Chapter of the Federal Bar Association held its Installation and Awards Dinner on October 21, 2023, at the Four Seasons Hotel Miami. For the first time ever, the event was held on a Saturday night. Continuing the chapter’s commitment to exploring new and exciting ways to engage members of the bench and bar, the theme for the evening was “Sneaker Ball.” Well over 200 lawyers and judges arrived at the Four Seasons dressed in formal wear all the way down to their ankles, which was where the real fun began. From retro kicks to light-up sneaker soles to shoelaces that matched evening gowns, the variety of sneakers kept everyone entertained and comfortable all night long.
The evening began with an elegant cocktail hour featuring delicious drinks and hors d’oeuvres, an FBA-themed step-and-repeat, and the opportunity to pose and be photographed with a living Lady Justice. Immediately following cocktail hour was the true highlight of the evening, a meaningful tribute to the late District Judge Marcia G. Cooke, recipient of the Edward B. Davis (“NED”) award, the chapter’s highest honor. The tribute featured a touching video presentation in which Judge Cooke’s closest friends and colleagues commented on her contributions to the legal field and their lives. District Judge Kathleen M. Williams then spoke about Judge Cooke’s impact on her own life before presenting the NED award to Judge Cooke’s sister, Delois Spryszak. The program ended with District Judge Beth Bloom swearing in the FBA board of directors and officers.
From there, the party moved to the main ballroom, and the culinary highlight of the evening: open fire-cooked tomahawk steaks. Revelers danced for hours, clearly more comfortable in their sneakers. Also in keeping with the sneaker theme, attendees donated 75 pairs of children’s sneakers to the Foundation for New Education Initiatives. FNEI provides clothes and supplies to homeless students attending Miami-Dade County public schools. Each pair of sneakers donated earned the donor a raffle ticket, and just after dinner concluded a basketball signed by the entire 2023 Eastern Conference Champion Miami Heat team was awarded to a lucky winner! This was the first time in memory that the chapter included a philanthropic component at this event, and it is sure to continue the tradition for years to come.
Photo gallery of the event. (click to enlarge or download images)
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