Santa Ana, CA (September 19, 2008) - - On Tuesday, September 16, Legal Aid Society of Orange County (LASOC) hosted more than 100 guests at a Sunset Reception at the Centennial Heritage Museum in Santa Ana. The event raised awareness about LASOC's services and its 50th Anniversary Celebration, which will be held on the evening of Thursday, November 6, 2008 at The Grove of Anaheim, 2200 E. Katella Avenue, Anaheim.

Robert J. Cohen, LASOC Executive Director, gave opening remarks and noted the Equal Justice Honorees who will be highlighted at the 50th Anniversary Celebration: William Wenke, former Co-President of the State Bar of California and former President of the Orange County Bar Association (OCBA); Patricia Herzog, the first LASOC attorney; and Joe Dunn, former California Senator and current CEO of the California Medical Association. Mr. Cohen noted the impact of Legal Services Corporation's Technology Initiative Grant Program, which will also be honored at the event.

Incoming OCBA President Michael Yoder of O'Melveny & Meyers LLP congratulated LASOC on the organization's milestone anniversary. Santa Ana Mayor Pro Tem Claudia C. Alvarez presented LASOC with a proclamation, and noted that her own legal career began as an intern at a sister legal aid organization in Los Angeles. Javiera Cartagena represented the Office of Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, 47th Congressional District, which commended LASOC on its significant contributions to the underserved community.

The Sunset Reception also raised awareness about the Centennial Heritage Museum, a cultural and natural history center dedicated to preserving, promoting, and restoring the heritage of OrangeCounty and the surrounding region through quality hands-on educational programs for students and visitors of all ages. A Polynesian dance show which featured members of the LASOC board and staff punctuated the evening's festivities. The Sunset Reception was made possible through the generous support of the following: Centennial Heritage Museum, Bistro 400, The Crosby, Jason's Downtown Restaurant and Wine Cellar and Hope Wine. George Collins donated videotaping services.

LASOC will continue the celebration on Thursday, October 2, 2008 with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony & Time Capsule Burial at 11 a.m. at 2101 North Tustin Avenue, Santa Ana. The countdown culminates on November 6, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. at The Grove of Anaheim. The keynote address will be delivered by Helaine M. Barnett, President of Legal Services Corporation. Ed Arnold will serve as Master of Ceremonies and entertainment will be provided by The Capitol Steps.

The 50th Anniversary Celebration is sponsored by Rutan & Tucker, Minyard Morris, McDermott Will & Emery, Knobbe Martens, Forum Info-Tech, Inc. and University of California, Irvine and University of California, Irvine School of Law.

To purchase 50th anniversary tickets ($75-$200 each), sponsorship and/or advertising online, go to www.legalaidturns50.com. For more information, contact Anna Lisa Biason, LASOC Director of Fund Development at 714-571-5220 or abiason@legal-aid.com.

About Legal Aid Society of Orange County

Founded in 1958 by the Orange County Bar Association, Legal Aid Society of Orange County (LASOC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to provide civil legal services to low-income individuals and seniors and to promote equal access to the justice system through advocacy, legal counseling, innovative self-help services, in-depth legal representation, economic development and community education.. In 1984, LASOC expanded its service area to southeast Los Angeles County, where it is known as Community Legal Services (CLS). LASOC's areas of priority are: 1) providing support for the family; 2) preserving the home; 3) maintaining economic stability; 4) ensuring safety, stability and health; 5) assisting populations with special vulnerabilities; 6) continuing the delivery of legal services (including direct representation); and 7) giving advice, counsel and referral.

The services that LASOC has been providing for 50 years protect spouses and children from domestic violence; safeguard the elderly against fraud and abuse; help families, children and the elderly obtain health insurance and other benefits; assist the homeless with their legal issues to help them become self-sufficient; provide individuals with help in filing taxes, resolving tax controversies and claiming credits to which they are entitled; and encourage economic development through its Earned Income Tax Credit / I-CAN! E-File Program.

It is estimated that since 1958, LASOC has closed more than 400,000 civil cases on behalf of low-income clients. In 2007, it closed 12,089 civil cases in Orange County and Southeast Los Angeles County (where it is known as Community Legal Services). This year, LASOC launched MedLaw Project, its medical-legal partnership with the University of California, Irvine Medical Center Family Health Center-Santa Ana. LASOC also launched a partnership with Neighborhood Housing Services - Orange County to address the foreclosure crisis that has impacted the clients of both organizations.

LASOC's practice areas and special programs in its Santa Ana, Anaheim, Compton and Norwalk offices include: Health Consumer Action Center; MedLaw Project: A University of California, Irvine Medical Center-LASOC Medical-Legal Partnership; Domestic Violence Prevention Program; Domestic Violence Legal Assistance Center; Homeless Outreach Program; Housing and Landlord/Tenant Issues; Foreclosure Prevention; Senior Citizens Legal Advocacy Program; Asian Language Legal Assistance Program; Low Income Taxpayers Clinic; Government Benefits; Special Education; Consumer Law; and Bankruptcy. Other LASOC-affiliated special programs are: Legal Resolutions Center, Lawyer Referrals Service, and Small Claims Advisor Program. For more information, visit www.legalaidturns50.com.

About Centennial Heritage Museum

One of the best-kept secrets in Southern California, Orange County's Centennial Heritage Museum is a Victorian gem set among extensive gardens and citrus groves, and tucked away in west Santa Ana. It is home to the historic Kellogg House, a favorite field trip destination for thousands of students from Orange County and the surrounding areas. It is also a beautiful and accommodating location for garden weddings, receptions, and other gatherings. For more information, visit www.centennialmuseum.org.