HBAA – To the Moon and Back

When the Mercury 7 astronauts were selected to take the nation into space, their wives came together in support, of their husbands and each other, becoming icons for women around the world who followed their examples of strength, perseverance, and resolve.  The Astrowives were proud of their husbands’ accomplishments, and happy to be a part of this country’s choice to go to the moon within the decade, but more importantly, they were thrilled to support their families and the roles they played in those accomplishments.  Astronaut wives weren’t the first to take on this role, but thanks to the early days of television, these wives are perhaps the most well-known.

As we reached the moon and set our sights on Mars and beyond, life changed and time moved on.  Women became astronauts, and their spouses joined the club.  The moniker changed, too.  Wives Clubs became Auxiliaries continuing their support in an ever changing landscape, while the groups’ focus remained the same.  Auxiliaries take care of their own.  Philanthropy, the key mission. 

I like to think that June Cleaver, the busiest woman on earth, belonged to an auxiliary, and although no one is sure what Ward actually did for a living, I like to imagine that he was a lawyer (mostly because it works for my narrative).  So while Ward was out zealously representing his clients and making the world a better place, June (in addition to cooking, cleaning, and keeping Eddie & the Beaver in check) was making the world a better place for lawyers and those around them.  Through bake sales and fashion shows, June’s Bar Association Auxiliary raised money for law student scholarships, hosted clothing & diaper drives, built homes for those in need, and stuffed holiday bags for veterans.  In the process, these women created a bond of friendship strong enough to get them through the toughest times.     

75 years later, bake sales and car washes have become chili cook-offs and fundraising lunches, but the mission is the same.  Since its founding in 1947, the Houston Bar Association Auxiliary has raised money to support lawyers and those who hold them up and make them look good, as well as hosting a variety of community service projects focused on the law and the practice of law as a profession.   

The Chili and Pie Cook-off (on 27 January 2024) is the HBAA’s largest annual fundraiser, supporting scholarships for law students at each of Houston's 3 law schools.  Since 2007, the HBAA Charitable Fund Scholarship Program has presented a $5000 Scholarships to a 2L student at each of Houston’s three law schools, who best exemplifies academic excellence, financial need, and community involvement.

The HBAA also, through the Leon Jaworski Award, publicly recognizes attorneys for their non-legal community service.  Unlike other awards in the legal community, the Jaworski Award does not consider pro bono or other legal services rendered by the nominee, but rather honors those who give their time and talents over and above their legal endeavors. 

My favorite event, however, is the annual Fall Membership Coffee, which honors the traditions of our founders by bringing together all those committed to building awareness of our system of justice, as well as esteem for the law and those who serve the law, for a bit of old-fashioned, face-to-face fun and friendship.

The Houston Bar Association is attorney’s facing outwards, supporting the community.  The Houston Bar Association Auxiliary is attorneys, spouses, and everyone who loves the law facing inward, supporting the legal community itself so that we can continue to take care of the world. 

The HBAA is proud of all that we have accomplished in the past 75 years, and happy to provide a welcoming space for all those supporting the Houston legal community.  But more importantly, we are thrilled to be kicking off a new year in which anything is possible.  Now, perhaps more than ever, we need to remember President John F. Kennedy’s words to an uncertain nation: 

“We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard.” 

I hope that you (and your spouse and those supporting your practice) will consider joining the HBAA’s important mission as we kick off a new year of fun and philanthropy.