Fun and Frolic for a Great Cause

October 19, 2018

In 2001, several members of the Greater Chicago Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators teamed up with the CBF Young Professionals Board to create an event unlike any other the legal community had seen before or since the Fat Tuesday Challenge. Kyle Woodward was the main driving force, co-chairing the event for the first 10 years. The concept was simple the playful spirit of Mardi Gras, our legal community’s competitive spirit, and a great cause (the CBF).

North Beach Club was the perfect fit for all of these. A very competitive sand volleyball tournament was the centerpiece, while bowling, basketball and a sumo wrestling competition rounded out the event.  Over the years, new highlights, like mechanical bull riding and live music, were added to the lively mix.

But the real winners were the CBF’s many outstanding pro bono and legal aid organization partners, as all the competitors played for the right to award a special grant to the CBF-supported organization of their choice. This tied together a night of game playing and partying with the collective desire to improve access to justice for people in need.

After an incredible twelve-year run, about 400 members of the legal community celebrated the final Fat Tuesday Challenge on February 21, 2012. In looking back, we’re grateful to everyone who supported the Fat Tuesday Challenge over the years planners, sponsors, volunteers, attendees to make this such an unforgettable event. On every level, from law firms to corporations, businesses and individuals that work closely with them, this is truly our community coming together to make a difference in the lives of those in need. And it generated some truly legendary photos too!