Today, Lauren’s Kids, an organization that works to combat childhood sexual assault through awareness and education, announced the recognition of Lauren’s Kids Chairman, Ron Book, as the recipient of The Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Service Award for 2023 for the 11th Judicial Circuit. The Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Service Award is given each year to an outstanding attorney for each of the state’s 20 judicial circuits and to an outstanding attorney among the out-of-state Florida Bar members.
Lauren’s Kids Chairman, Ronald L. Book is a tireless advocate for those less fortunate and has dedicated hundreds of thousands of hours of pro bono service and leadership to many groups over decades of practice. Ron’s work has led to millions of dollars in funding and successful lobbying for fellow organizations in need such as Best Buddies (mentoring for individuals with unique abilities), Casa Familia (an affordable housing opportunity for adults with unique abilities), the Children’s Home Society Foundation of Florida, the Alonzo Mourning Family Foundation, and many more.
“I couldn’t be prouder of my dad and Lauren’s Kids Chairman, Ron Book, as he is honored for his lifetime of service helping those in need,” Senator Lauren Book, founder, and CEO of Lauren’s Kids, said. “Through my dad’s tireless advocacy, our organization has been able to help survivors heal with guidance and support and has been able to advocate for the passage of countless laws that safeguard our children and work to end the endemic of childhood sexual abuse.”
“20 years ago, Ron Book made a commitment to FCASV that he would help survivors of sexual violence in every way possible. His commitment is as steadfast today as it was then,” Florida Council Against Sexual Violence Executive Director, Jennifer Dritt, said. “In 2003, Florida provided no general revenue funding for sexual assault services. Today, the legislature appropriates nearly $6 million in recurring general revenue and another $1.5 million in fine-based funding for critical services for survivors. Florida’s response to sexual violence has improved dramatically in so many important areas. Whether we’re talking about survivors’ access to services or policy changes meant to improve survivors’ lives, when we were certain there was no way forward, Ron made the way—and never accepted a penny. I can’t think of anyone who deserves this award more than Ron Book.”
“Ron Book couldn’t be more deserving of this award because service isn’t just something he does – it is at the core of who he is,” said NBA Hall of Famer and OYC founder Alonzo Mourning. “For over 20 years, Ron has partnered with us to impact and transform the lives of children and families in our community. He’s made it his personal mission to protect and provide for the most vulnerable among us, and, as an active member of our board of directors, we’ve seen the fruits of that labor first-hand. We are just one of the countless causes to which Ron gives his time, talent, and treasure because he is steadfast in his dedication to fighting for those in need. Congratulations to him on receiving such a distinguished honor.”
The 2023 Pro Bono Awards ceremony is set for Thursday January 26, at 3:30pm at the Florida Supreme Court. To learn more about The Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Service Awards visit: https://www.floridabar.org/public/probono/serviceawards/president/
