HARRISBURG (Jan. 19, 2016) - The PBA Workers' Compensation Law Section has donated $90,000 to Kids' Chance of Pennsylvania Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides college and vocational education scholarships to children of Pennsylvania workers who have been killed or seriously injured in work-related accidents. It is believed to be the single largest donation ever made to Kids' Chance of Pennsylvania since the organization's founding in 1997.

The donated funds are proceeds from the section's numerous activities commemorating the passage of Pennsylvania's Workers' Compensation Act. June 2, 2015 marked the 100th anniversary of the act, often referred to as "The Grand Bargain." This legislation has become crucial to the protection of employees and employers alike, and its passage marked a milestone in the practice of law in the commonwealth.

"We are grateful to the many Pennsylvania lawyers and sponsors who supported our year-long efforts to draw attention to the importance of the Workers' Compensation Act and are pleased that such a significant sum of money could be donated to help fund the educational needs of children," said R. Burke McLemore Jr., who served as chair of the PBA section's Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Centennial Committee

"The PBA's Workers' Compensation Section has been a major supporter of Kids' Chance since its very beginnings and that steadfast assistance is a major reason for our success in providing scholarships to children of injured workers in Pennsylvania," said John W. McTiernan, president, Kids' Chance of Pennsylvania.

McTiernan said Kids' Chance of Pennsylvania has surpassed $1.5 million in scholarship awards to more than 650 children of Pennsylvania workers who were severely injured or killed in the workplace. Kids' Chance of Pennsylvania is governed by an all-volunteer board and raises scholarship funds through donations from individuals, corporations, foundations, the United Way, annual fundraising events and various organizations that are active in workers' compensation matters.

The PBA section spotlighted the centennial of the Workers' Compensation Act with a gala celebration, educational sessions, an essay contest for law school students, a commemorative medal and calendar, and publication of the book, "The Centennial of the Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Act: A Narrative and Pictorial Celebration," authored by Judge David B. Torrey.

Founded in 1895, the Pennsylvania Bar Association strives to promote justice, professional excellence and respect for the law; improve public understanding of the legal system; facilitate access to legal services; and serve the 27,000 lawyers who are members of the association.