High profile aid

The Legal Aid Justice Center provides advice and representation in civil matters for those who are unable to afford private legal counsel. On May Day, Executive Director Alex Gulotta and the entire Legal Aid network hosted a “before” party for their new Justice Center in the old brick Bruton Beauty Supply building on Preston Avenue.
Already the Williamsburg-style building, recently purchased for $900,000, is undergoing interior demolition.
Legal Aid will share the space with the Piedmont Office of Central Virginia Legal Aid and the Public Housing Association of Residents. The legal community, foundations, and local governments have already chipped in pledges, grants, and donations.
Honorary Chairman of the capital campaign John Grisham stunned organizers with his gifts. Having already made a $30,000 pledge, Grisham strolled into the event with another $250,000 donation. The author of many legal thrillers spoke of his desire to raise the profile of this worthy campaign. Legal Aid will have its “after” party when the center is completed at the end of 2003.