Philanthropy and the People of Practus 

At Practus, the passions and commitments of our team extend far beyond the practice of law. Our attorneys and team members bring the same dedication and drive they show in their legal work to a diverse range of philanthropic initiatives. Whether supporting local animal shelters, advancing ALS research, or organizing community events, their involvement in these causes reflects a shared desire to make a meaningful difference in the world. This commitment to service speaks to the dynamic individuals who make up our firm—a team of professionals who inspire through their actions both inside and outside the legal field. 

With the holiday season in full swing, we’re highlighting some of the amazing organizations our team works with, why our Practus people support these orgs, and what it means to them to be able to continue their commitment to the service of others.  

Andrea Shaw

Gorham Little League in Maine

Andrea Shaw’s involvement with Gorham Little League goes far beyond simply supporting her son’s passion for baseball—it’s about fostering life skills like resilience, teamwork, and leadership in young players, both on and off the field. While she laughs as she admits that “baseball has ruined my life,” her dedication to sponsoring the team and watching her son and his friends grow as athletes and individuals clearly shows her commitment to the positive impact of the sport. 

“Little League is about more than having fun playing baseball.  It’s a sport where the average batting average for MLB Hall of Famers is .303!  It’s teaching kids how to work through adversity and become leaders, which translates to off field life. 

I love watching my son and his friends bond and improve as baseball players and humans. Sponsoring the team pays for, among other things, jerseys and hats and helps keep the cost of participation within reach for families. My husband coaches and I enjoy reminding him, my role is more akin to a “team owner” and that he should keep that in mind when he tries to delegate things to me. Last, but not least, who doesn’t love saying “Practus baseball”!”  

-Andrea Shaw

Robert Hebron

I AM ALS

As a passionate advocate with I AM ALS, Robert Hebron, dedicates his time to improving the lives of ALS patients and their families, drawing from a personal connection to the cause—his oldest daughter was diagnosed with ALS at just 25 years old.

“I AM ALS advocates on behalf of ALS patients and their families both legislatively and in interactions with pharma companies and medical providers. My oldest daughter was diagnosed with ALS, an always fatal disease with no treatment options in 2013 at age 25.  

At that time, I was told to expect only 2-5 years with her. Ever since, I have been advocating for her and other patients with a variety of groups.” 

-Robert Hebron

Through his involvement on the I AM ALS Clinical Trials Committee, Robert has helped advance patient-centric initiatives, including the development of a groundbreaking clinical trial finder with a five-star rating system. His dedication is fueled by a mission to bring promising treatments closer to FDA approval and to create meaningful community and patient-centric resources for the ALS community. 

Morgan Wentz

Team PAWS Chicago

Morgan Wentz’s dedication to Team PAWS Chicago combines her passions for animal welfare and running while making a powerful impact for homeless pets in need. As part of the team for the 46th Chicago Marathon, Morgan raised $1,800—contributing to the $1.1 million total raised by the team, making Team PAWS the fourth-largest donating group among 202 charities this year. One of the best parts of combining her passions into her philanthropic efforts is connecting to a like-minded community of runners and animal welfare advocates.   

“I especially love that PAWS Chicago is a no-kill shelter helping to give second chances to homeless pets. My first rescue animal was Oliver, an 8-year-old orange tabby cat that I adopted while living in Chicago. He had a history of abuse, so he was very shy and untrusting, and his age had him pretty set in his ways.  

Oliver was given a second chance at life because of PAWS. We found each other and were both given years of unconditional love that neither of us would have experienced if it weren’t for this shelter. I am just one example of thousands of beautiful stories – with animals getting their second chance and humans finding their furry soulmate. Oliver changed my life in so many ways, and it never would have been possible without organizations like PAWS Chicago.”

-Morgan Wentz

Dawn Arcos

Lupus Foundation of America, Inc.

Dawn Arcos passionately supports the Lupus Foundation of America, Inc. using her personal journey with Lupus to raise awareness, provide free resources, and advocate for those living with this often-misunderstood chronic illness.  

“When I was diagnosed with Lupus in 2018, my world turned upside down. I can’t tell you how many times people would say to me, “but you don’t look sick.” With Lupus, chronic pain is a constant.  

I have to cancel social plans because I’m just not feeling well. I had to give up a full-time in-person job and switch to remote work so I could be at home more.  

This invisible disease is so much more than people realize. It’s not a death sentence, but it’s a tough reality to adjust to. Over the past year, I’ve made it my mission to raise awareness about the challenges people with Lupus face.  

It’s been a journey of resilience and growth, and with the support and resources from the Lupus Foundation, I’ve been able to navigate my diagnosis with more hope and understanding. It’s not just about surviving Lupus – it’s about thriving despite it. 

For the past year, I’ve been raising awareness about Lupus through my Friday posts on LinkedIn, and the response has been incredible. I talk about everything from hair loss and sun exposure to bone health, immune health, mental health, and many other issues those with Lupus face. Colleagues have approached me at conferences, and my coworkers have been super supportive.  

Hearing other people’s stories and being part of such a supportive community has been both moving and inspiring. It reminds me that we’re not alone in this fight. My goal for 2025 is to work even more closely with the Lupus Foundation to amplify the voices of those affected by Lupus. I also hope to host my own fundraiser to support research and provide educational resources for those living with the disease.”

-Dawn Arcos

With plans to participate in the annual Lupus Walk and host her own fundraiser in the future, Dawn is committed to amplifying the voices of those affected by Lupus and contributing to advancements in care, treatment, and education.

Brad Hill

Mentor with CIE

Brad Hill’s work with the UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) reflects his deep passion for supporting entrepreneurs and fostering innovation. As a mentor, he works with entrepreneurs, both directly and as part of mentor teams, to provide support and guidance at critical times in their journey of building a business. 

“Entrepreneurship has always been a passion of mine, and I believe it is the most effective tool for solving the issues we face as a society. With CIE, I’ve had the pleasure to work with companies working to develop universal flu vaccines, reinvent the delivery of prescription medication, and change the paradigm for treating opioid addiction. My unique blend of personal and professional experience allows me to assist these motivated entrepreneurs and give them the best chance to solve these problems while achieving great personal success.” 

–Brad Hill

The causes championed by our team showcase the spirit of giving and leadership that embodies the community and culture we strive for at Practus. Through their philanthropic efforts, our team demonstrates how purpose and professionalism go hand in hand, inspiring both their colleagues and communities. As we celebrate these impactful initiatives, we’re reminded that the strength of our firm lies not only in our legal services but also in the compassion and dedication of the people behind it. 

Learn more about Practus initiatives on our community and culture page and subscribe to our newsletter below for Part 2 of this philanthropy-inspired series!