ATG’s Birnbaum Takes the Ring to Support Mercy Home Boys & Girls

Peter J. Birnbaum, president and CEO of Attorneys’ Title Guaranty Fund Inc. will jump in the boxing ring to help support Mercy Home for Boys & Girls, an organization that provides homes, education and support systems to Chicago’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged youth.

Along with other contenders from the financial services and legal professions, Birnbaum will participate in a boxing match at Mercy Home’s fundraiser, “Ringside for Mercy’s Sake,” on Oct. 14. He is matched up against Quarles and Brady Managing Partner Paul Langer.”

While ATG is a longtime supporter of Mercy Home for Boys & Girls, this is the first time one of its executives has duked it out at the annual fundraiser. One expects to see attorneys of Birnbaum’s caliber in the boardroom or in the courtroom, but in the boxing ring?

"ATG stalwart Ernie Codilis introduced us to Mercy Home several years ago,” said Birnbaum, who joined ATG in 1981 and was named president and CEO in 1991. “Mercy Home is a citadel protecting and keeping safe some of the most vulnerable children in Chicago. Supporting Mercy Home helps me pursue my personal mission to protect children and is in keeping with ATG's mission to support our community by helping those most in need. Having turned 60 this year I wanted to do something outside my comfort zone. By squaring off against Paul Langer, a cagey veteran boxer, a true gentleman and an outstanding trial lawyer we will (hopefully) give the crowd a good fight and raise significant money for a charity we both love.”

 Since its founding 130 years ago, Mercy Home has broken the cycle of neglect and abuse for over 30,000 kids through residential programs, aftercare, referral and monitoring services. Nearly 98 percent of Mercy Home’s $32 million annual budget is privately funded through the support of corporations, foundations and individuals. The organization receives no contributions from state or federal governments.

“I am pleased for this opportunity to support this very worthy Chicago organization that provides hope, healing and a fresh start for over 750 at-risk youth each year,” Birnbaum added. “The need now is greater than ever.”