Celebrating Hope for Immigrants: Rooted in Resilience
MAY 28, 2026
Esperanza Arts Center – Gran Salón
4261 N. 5th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140
Free On-Site Parking Available
6:00 – 7:00 PM
VIP Reception for Sponsors, VIP Ticket Holders, and Honored Guests
7:00 – 9:00 PM
Main Program
Culinary Experience by Chef Reuben Asaram
Esperanza Immigration Legal Services (EILS) invites you to support this year’s Celebrating Hope for Immigrants—our signature fundraiser advancing dignity, opportunity, and justice for immigrant families. This year’s theme, Rooted in Resilience, honors the strength and perseverance of immigrant families and underscores the vital role that trusted legal services play in securing safe and stable futures.
Hosted at the Esperanza Arts Center – Gran Salón on Thursday, May 28, 2026, the evening will begin with a VIP pre-reception, followed by the main program at 7:00 PM, featuring live music and powerful stories from individuals whose lives have been shaped by EILS’s work.
This year’s celebration will honor two remarkable leaders whose service has deeply shaped access to justice for immigrant families. We are proud to present the EILS Civic Impact Award to Judi Bernstein-Baker for her decades of public service and continued pro bono advocacy on behalf of immigrants, and the EILS Champion Award to Michael Malvey, Managing Partner of Galfand Berger LLP, in appreciation of 10+ years of dedicated board leadership and steadfast support of EILS’s mission.
Last year, more than 140 guests—including EILS clients, volunteers, supporters, and leaders from the legal and civic communities—came together in support of Philadelphia’s immigrant families. The funds raised were critical to sustaining our mission and strengthening our capacity to respond to urgent and growing needs. In 2026, increased partnerships will be essential as demand for immigration legal services continues to rise.
For more than 17 years, EILS has been a trusted resource in Hispanic North Philadelphia. Over the past year, the generous support of our community partners has enabled EILS to provide critical immigration legal services—including citizenship, green card, work authorization, and asylum assistance—to hundreds of immigrants, along with education, referrals, and community-based support to many more.
Celebrating Hope for Immigrants: Rooted in Resilience highlights how EILS’s work often transforms not only the life of one individual, but the futures of entire families—strengthening communities across generations.
With your support, EILS will continue to make HOPE possible for immigrants and their families.
We look forward to seeing you on May 28!
Anu Thomas, Esq
Executive Director
Esperanza Immigration Legal Services