Mike Freed has been given the “but for” Leadership Florida Award at the 2018 Leadership Florida® Annual Meeting. The award was created in recognition of former president Wendy Walker’s 28 years of devotion to creating “but for” Leadership Florida experiences for the organization’s members. Its purpose is to recognize a Leadership Florida member who has used specific knowledge gained and/or relationships built through his or her Leadership Florida experiences to improve the lives of fellow Floridians. In addition to receiving the award, Leadership Florida will be making a donation to Michael Freed’s organization of choice.
Mike Freed is a trial lawyer with a wealth of experience in the courtroom and arbitrations, administrative proceedings and other forms of dispute resolution. Inspired by his participation in Leadership Florida, Mike decided to address the justice gap in Florida—indigent people with no access to legal services. With the seed planted, Mike created a six marathons in six days concept called “#FreedtoRun.” The run went from the Florida Supreme Court in Tallahassee to the Duval County Courthouse in Jacksonville to raise money and attention to the justice gap. “#FreedtoRun” raised almost $70,000 which has now begun a $2,125,000 endowment, which will provide money to enhance civil legal aid services for children with medical issues. “But for” the thought leadership and support of the Leadership Florida family, #FreedToRun never would have happened and the Medical/Legal Partnership Endowment would not exist.
Leadership Florida is proud to honor Mike Freed with its “but for” award.
To download a photograph of Mike Freed accepting the award and to find out more about Leadership Florida visit: leadershipflorida.org.
About Leadership Florida
For thirty-six years, Leadership Florida has developed a reputation as a builder of a stronger, diverse statewide sense of community. A respected non-partisan convener of committed individuals, Leadership Florida enhances the knowledge and leadership abilities of Florida’s leaders through educational programs and by encouraging collaborative work for the betterment of our state. Leadership Florida provides Floridians essential information and a meaningful forum for their opinions, and creates opportunities for shared experiences that are inviting, inspiring and of lasting value. Leadership Florida is a federally registered trademark.
