The Willie Gary Law Firm Files $1 Billion Lawsuit
against Durham County LME, Wake County LME,
Five County LME, Mecklenberg County LME and
Value Options, Inc. for Negligent and Intentional Misconduct against Mental Health Agency

The Firm Announced a Plan of Action on Behalf of their
Client, Joel Hopkins, President and CEO of Dominion
Healthcare Services, Inc. and its 1000 Employees

Durham, NC (January 23, 2008) – Willie Gary’s law firm announced today that they have filed a lawsuit on behalf of their client, Joel Hopkins President and CEO of Dominion Healthcare Services, Inc. of North Carolina.  The suit was filed to expose the misconduct and wrongdoings of Durham County LME, Wake County LME, Five County LME, Mecklenberg County LME and Value Options, Inc.

The lawsuit contends that Durham County LME, Wake County LME, Five County LME, Mecklenberg County LME and Value Options, Inc. played an integral role in the deception and scheme to dismantle, destroy and drive Dominion Healthcare Services, Inc. out of business.  Furthermore, the actions of Value Options, Inc. and the North Carolina LMEs have caused over $100 million in damages, to date.

“Our client, Dominion Healthcare Services, has served North Carolina and its residents by providing desperately needed mental health care to thousands,” said Gary.  “Value Options is a multi-billion dollar corporation that maliciously withheld money from Dominion Healthcare in an effort to put them out of business.  Our client, Joel Hopkins is no stranger to hard work and sacrifice.  Hopkins built a company that was projected to be valued at over a half-billion dollars within the next five or so years.  Durham County LME, Wake County LME, Five County LME, Mecklenberg County LME and Value Options, Inc. needed to place the blame on someone and it’s falling on the shoulders of poor people with mental challenges.  This case is about putting budgetary constraints over the mental health needs of the poor and voiceless.  It isn’t right and we will not stand for it,” continued Gary.

Gary is no stranger to justice.  He is noted for winning a $240 million jury verdict in Orange County Florida against the Walt Disney Corporation for their clients who alleged Disney stole their idea for a sports theme park.  Also, Gary was awarded $18 million, Florida’s largest jury verdict of its kind, against the media conglomerate Gannett Company for the false portrayal of their client in a series of newspaper articles.  In 2001, a jury awarded Gary a $139.6 million verdict for the Maris Distributing Company against Anheuser Busch.  In addition, Gary was given a half-billion dollar verdict in Jackson, Mississippi against the Loewen Group, a large Canadian funeral home chain.
 

The Gary Law Firm Files $500 Million Lawsuit against
Ethan Allen Global, Inc. for Forcing Treasure Coast Interiors, Inc. to Close its Ethan Allen Business

Treasure Coast Interiors, Inc. Begins
Final Sales of Furniture

Stuart, FL (February 8, 2008) – Willie Gary announced that he has filed a $500 million lawsuit on behalf of his client, Nicholas Mariano, Jr., President and CEO of Treasure Coast Interiors, Inc., of Florida.  The suit alleges that Ethan Allen breached its contractual relationship with Treasure Coast Interiors, Inc. when it abruptly and wrongfully terminated its business relationship with Treasure Coast Interiors, Inc. after 13 years.

Treasure Coast Interior, Inc.’s President and CEO, Nicholas Mariano, Jr. has been in the furniture business for most of his adult life. Based on his stellar reputation in the industry and hard work, Ethan Allen recruited Mariano to open up 3 stores located in Stuart, Vero Beach and Melbourne, and then terminated him for no good reason. Other Ethan Allen retailers nationally appear to have experienced the same fate.  The number of independent retailers has been significantly reduced in the last year alone. Mariano and Treasure Coast Interiors, Inc. worked for over 13 years to build a strong name for Ethan Allen and its products in these markets.  In July of 2007, the relationship was abruptly terminated by Ethan Allen, even though Treasure Coast Interiors, Inc. had been a solid, loyal and reliable business partner.  Due to these actions, Treasure Coast Interiors, Inc. has, and will continue to suffer, tremendous financial losses as well as damage to its reputation.  Final sales of remaining Ethan Allen furniture have begun at each of the locations.

“Our client, Nicholas Mariano, Jr. and his family have been dedicated to the building of the Ethan Allen brand name in Florida for over 13 years,” said Gary.  “Ethan Allen’s actions were flat out wrong and they know it.  In fact, Nicholas Mariano, Jr. developed the Stuart, Vero Beach and Melbourne markets for Ethan Allen, serving as Ethan Allen’s exclusive retailer in these markets.  For Ethan Allen, a multibillion dollar company, to trample on a local businessman who has worked his fingers to the bone to build a strong reputation, is a grave injustice.  Ethan Allen may have a monopoly on the furniture business, but it doesn’t have a monopoly on justice.  Now, Mariano is forced to sell the remainder of his furniture for pennies on a dollar and at a significant loss.  It’s not right,” said Gary.

Gary is no stranger to justice.  He is noted for winning a $240 million jury verdict in Orange County Florida against the Walt Disney Corporation for their clients who alleged Disney stole their idea for a sports theme park.  Also, Gary was awarded $18 million, Florida’s largest jury verdict of its kind, against the media conglomerate Gannett Company for the false portrayal of their client in a series of newspaper articles.  In 2001, a jury awarded Gary a $139.6 million verdict for the Maris Distributing Company against Anheuser Busch.  In addition, Gary was given a half-billion dollar verdict in Jackson, Mississippi against the Loewen Group, a large Canadian funeral home chain.  Gary also represents over 500 victims against  big tobacco companies in Florida.

Attorney Willie Gary Pledges $1 Million to Help
Families in Okeechobee County, St. Lucie County
and Martin County, Florida

Gary Law Firm Attorneys will Donate
Time to Keep Families Together    

Stuart, FL – Prominent trial attorney, Willie Gary, pledged $1 million in legal services which will benefit families living in Okeechobee County, St. Lucie County and Martin County, Florida. The announcement was made during the investiture ceremony for Judge F. Shields McManus, who was recently appointed to the 19th Judicial Circuit by Governor Charlie Crist.

Gary spoke on behalf of his long-time friend and law partner, Judge F. Shields McManus, during the investiture ceremony at the Martin County Courthouse. For the last 15 years, McManus has been a partner in the law firm of Gary, Williams, Parenti, Finney, Lewis, McManus, Watson and Sperando, P.L., which has recently been renamed Gary, Williams, Finney, Lewis, Watson and Sperando, P.L. Shields was responsible for overseeing medical malpractice, personal injury, wrongful death and products liability cases. During the ceremony, Gary pledged to provide families in McManus’ district with $1 million in legal services, in honor of McManus’ opportunity to serve as a circuit judge. The legal assistance will primarily be provided for parents at risk of losing their parental rights, when the Department of Children and Families investigates a claim against them. All the firm’s attorneys will participate in providing these pro bono services to help keep families together.

“Judge McManus will prove to be a tremendous asset to the 19th Judicial Circuit and will be an outstanding member of the community,” said Gary. “I am happy to make this $1 million contribution and hope it will benefit hundreds of families,” said Gary.

Gary, who is best known in legal circles as “The Giant Killer,” is noted for taking on some of America’s most powerful companies--winning billions of dollars in verdicts and settlements on behalf of his clients. Known for his philanthropic endeavors, he and his wife, Gloria Gary, founded The Gary Foundation, which provides college scholarships to at-risk students who wish to attend college. The Gary’s have donated millions of dollars to help Historically Black Colleges and Universities – including $10 million to his alma mater Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina.          

Willie Gary and the Gary Foundation Partner with Celebrated Fashion Designer Tory Burch for an
Evening of Shopping and Entertainment

Proceeds from the Event Benefit the Gary Foundation which Raises Money for College Scholarships

Tanisha Gary (center) Executive Director of the Gary Foundation
announces the lucky raffle winner of the Tory Burch tote bag.

STUART, FL – Willie Gary and the Gary Foundation recently partnered with the new Tory Burch Boutique in Bal Harbour to host an evening of shopping and entertainment.  A portion of the proceeds generated from the event benefited the Gary Foundation which raises money for at-risk and disadvantaged youth who do not have the means but have the desire to obtain a college education.

Over 200 guests from Martin, St. Lucie, Palm Beach, Broward and Dade counties gathered at the Tory Burch Boutique in the Bal Harbour Shops, for a fun-filled evening of shopping, networking and entertainment.  Guests enjoyed browsing the colorful and flirty spring and summer collections of celebrated fashion designer Tory Burch as they sipped on refreshing orange drinks that perfectly matched the store’s vibrant décor. Throughout the evening, attendees nibbled on gourmet, custom-created hors d’oeuvres.  Shoppers patiently waited for their turn to grab a seat on one of the plush couches so they could try on several pairs of the latest sandals and shoes for the summer season.

Rachael Johnson, Kori Love and Denise Roman take time out
from shopping to pose for a quick photo.

Supporters of the event received a complimentary signature Tory Burch key chain.  With a purchase of $500 or more, shoppers were also given a Tory Burch cosmetic bag.  All attendees were entered into a raffle to win a Tory Burch tote bag, valued at $195.

“This event was an overwhelming success,” said Tanisha Gary, Executive Director of the Gary Foundation.  “It was a wonderful evening of shopping, entertainment and networking, in the name of scholarship.  The Gary Foundation’s mission is to raise money for young boys and girls to attain their dream of achieving a college education.  Through the success of this fundraiser, we will be able to continue to reach that goal.  Furthermore, it is reassuring to know that a famed designer such as Tory Burch believes in the importance of education and giving back to the community.  I commend Tory Burch and the staff at the Tory Burch Boutique in Bal Harbour Shops for their time and dedication to helping in this worthy cause,” continued Gary.

Willie E. Gary Delivers Keynote Address during the
Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration for Florida Banquet

Attorney Willie Gary (on right) shakes hands with Rev. Ronald Durham,
President of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration for Florida, Inc.

Daytona Beach, FL - Willie E. Gary recently served as the keynote speaker at the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration in Daytona Beach, Florida. Community members, elected officials, business leaders and clergy attended the fundraiser to celebrate the ideals and aspirations of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and to raise money for scholarships.          

Gary addressed an audience of nearly 400 during the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration banquet entitled “Remembering the Dream - Accepting the Challenge.” Gary motivated the audience to overcome obstacles and to succeed against what may seem like insurmountable odds.

The evening’s program included dinner and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Scholarship was awarded to four deserving local high school students. Gary was also honored by Daytona Beach Mayor, Glenn Richey, who presented Gary with a key to the city.

“Many great men and women have sacrificed and fought hard for civil rights. Today we celebrate and remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and other civil rights leaders, who have paved the way,” said Gary. “Thanks to Dr. King’s vision, opportunities our grandparents only dreamed of having are accessible to all Americans,” continued Gary.       

Gary, who is best known in legal circles as “The Giant Killer,” is noted for taking on some of America’s most powerful companies--winning billions of dollars in verdicts and settlements on behalf of his clients.  Known for his philanthropic endeavors, he and his wife, Gloria Gary, founded The Gary Foundation, which provides college scholarships to at-risk students who wish to attend college. The Gary’s have donated millions of dollars to help Historically Black Colleges and Universities – including $10 million to his alma mater Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Kenneth Gary, President and CEO of the Gary Foundation, Presents the Pahokee High School Football Team
with Championship Rings

Local Football Legends Join Kenneth Gary and
Deliver Words of Encouragement to the
Pahokee High School Blue Devils

Kenneth Gary, CEO and President of the Gary Foundation poses with
two team captains of the Pahokee High School Football Team. 

Pahokee, FL—Kenneth Gary, President and CEO of the Gary Foundation recently visited students at Pahokee High School in Pahokee, Florida, to present championship rings to the school’s football team and to motivate students to strive for academic excellence. The Pahokee High School football team achieved an unprecedented record of 14-0 and went on to become the state champions for the second consecutive year.          

 Gary was accompanied by local NFL legends Rickey Jackson, Roosevelt Blackmon, Cleveland Gary, and Howard Schnellenberger, head football coach at Florida Atlantic University, as he addressed 500 students and faculty at Pahokee High School. Gary and his guests were welcomed by Principal Ariel Alejo and members of the JROTC. The school’s drum line cheerfully led Gary and the group into the auditorium where audience members awaited their arrival. Band members and cheerleaders performed and cheered in honor of Gary’s generosity to the school. Gary, Jackson, Schnellenberger, and Blackmon offered words of encouragement, emphasizing the importance of education as well as the challenges of pursuing an athletic career.      

Gary served as the moderator for the event, giving each of the special guests an opportunity to speak of their football experiences and the importance of academic excellence. Gary and guests applauded the accomplishments of the young men and proudly presented a ring to each student athlete.

“I congratulate these fine athletes on a job well-done,” said Gary. “I am happy to present them with championship rings for the second year in a row, for their commitment to being the best. My hope is that the students continue on this path of success.”

Known for his philanthropic endeavors, Attorney Willie Gary and his wife, Dr. Gloria Gary, founded The Gary Foundation, which provides college scholarships to at-risk students who wish to attend college. The Gary’s have donated millions of dollars to help Historically Black Colleges and Universities – including $10 million to their alma mater Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Atlanta Falcons Cheerleader Hires High Profile
Attorney Willie Gary to Represent Her against
Rap Artist “Da Brat” and Studio 72

STUART, FL – Prominent trial attorney, Willie Gary and his partner, CK Hoffler of the Florida-based law firm of Gary, Williams, Finney, Lewis, Watson and Sperando P.L., announced today that the firm will be representing Atlanta Falcons Cheerleader, Shayla Stevens, against rap artist, Da Brat and Studio 72. Stevens was physically assaulted by Da Brat while working as a part-time waitress at a night club in Tucker, Georgia.

Stevens, who is a cheerleader for the Atlanta Falcons, a dance choreographer, an actress and entrepreneur, also graduated Magna Cum Laude from Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida. The incident occurred at Studio 72, a night club in Tucker, Georgia, heavily promoted by hip-hop producer and businessman, Jermaine Dupri.   Stevens, who never met Da Brat prior to the incident, was hit in the head with a 1.7 liter sized bottle by Da Brat, and suffered permanent injuries to her face as well as possible neurological damage. As a result of her injuries, she will miss upcoming Falcons games and promotional events, as well as a scheduled role on Tyler Perry’s House of Payne sitcom and other commercial, professional choreography and acting opportunities. Following the incident, the club owners were reluctant to contact the police due to possible negative publicity for the night club. A club manager, who witnessed the assault, failed to seek proper medical intervention for Stevens and she was taken to the hospital by a family member. Prior to the assault, club owners and security had the opportunity to remove Da Brat from the club due to an earlier pushing incident with Ms. Stevens, but failed to do so. Da Brat was arrested and released on $50,000 bond as a result of the incident.  

“Our client was physically attacked by Da Brat and has suffered significant head injuries, permanent disfigurement as well as mental distress. Ms. Stevens is a cheerleader, choreographer, dancer, actress and entrepreneur, whose career has been greatly affected by this incident,” said Gary.              

Gary is no stranger to seeking justice. He is noted for winning a $240 million jury verdict in Orange County against the Walt Disney Corporation for his clients who alleged Disney stole their idea for a sports theme park.  Also, Gary was awarded $18.28 million against the media conglomerate Gannett Company for the false portrayal of their client in a series of newspaper articles. In 2001, a jury awarded Gary a $139.6 million verdict for the Maris Distributing Company against Anheuser Busch.  In addition, Gary was given a half-billion dollar verdict in Jackson, Mississippi against the Loewen Group, a large Canadian funeral home chain.