Mercer University School of Law has emerged victorious in the 13th annual Georgia Legal Food Frenzy, reclaiming its title as champion of the competition aimed at supporting food banks in Georgia. The Attorney General’s Cup was earned by Mercer Law, with nearly half of this year’s donations coming from their team. The proceeds of over $15,000 raised by Mercer's team were donated to the Middle Georgia Community Food Bank. This marks the ninth time Mercer Law has secured the championship.
The Mercer Law team, led by Michaela Manely, ’25, and Jack Wareham, ’25, outshone competitors from other law schools such as the University of Georgia School of Law, Emory School of Law, and Georgia State University College of Law. Wareham expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead his peers in the fundraising efforts, stating, “This entire experience has been nothing short of an absolute pleasure. It is both an honor and a privilege to have been able to lead my peers in bringing this trophy back to Mercer where it belongs.”
According to Law.com Daily Report, Georgia law students raised over $35,000 this year, a significant increase from the previous year. Danah Craft, executive director of Feeding Georgia, commended the dedication and enthusiasm shown by the law schools, emphasizing the impact their efforts have made in the fight against hunger.
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr also expressed his appreciation for the contributions of the future lawyers, stating, "I am grateful to the future lawyers for their invaluable contributions in ending hunger in the state." The Legal Food Frenzy, co-sponsored by the Georgia Attorney General's office and the State Bar of Georgia Young Lawyers Division, aims to address food insecurity in the state.
Since its inception in 2012, the Georgia Legal Food Frenzy has raised a total of $5.9 million, equivalent to 20 million meals, for the state’s regional food banks and their partner organizations. Annually, these organizations distribute over 205 million pounds of food across Georgia. The goal for this year’s competition was to raise $1 million, with the final total yet to be announced.
Reflecting on the impact of the Legal Food Frenzy fundraiser efforts, Manely stated, "The Legal Food Frenzy shines a light on our neighbors in need and how severe food insecurity is for families and individuals in Middle Georgia." Mercer Law Assistant Dean of Student Affairs Jeannie Zipperer praised the Mercer team for their dedication and hard work in raising $15,407 to address food insecurity, highlighting the exceptional leadership of Manely and Wareham.