In 1937 a group of wives/spouses of members of the Cook County Bar Association came together and organized the “Cook County Bar Association Auxiliary.”  The stated purpose of the Auxiliary was: FELLOWSHIP, SOCIAL WELFARE, FRIENDSHIP, & PRESTIGE. Years later the Auxiliary changed its name and incorporated as the Cook County Bar Association-Bench & Bar Spouses, Inc. (hereinafter: “the CCBA-B&BS, Inc.”).  The organization continued to implement its founding purposes, however, added two more goals: COMMUNITY SERVICE AND SCHOLARSHIP.

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In keeping with the mission of community service, the CCBA-B&BS, Inc. conducted annual service projects through the years.  On numerous occasions, the CCBA-B&BS, Inc. donated and distributed Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets and toys to needy families and children. These projects were the result of referrals received from local community organizations and churches.   Other projects included providing parties for nursing home residents and providing monetary donations to organizations that provide support to the homeless population in Chicago, Illinois.

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In 2016, the CCBA-B&BS, Inc. was granted tax exempt status, by both the federal and state revenue departments, as a 501(c)(3) organization.  This not-for-profit designation gave the organization greater ability to receive and solicit scholarship donations. 

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In 2020 the Cook County Bar Association Bench & Bar Spouses, Inc.  became an official voter registrar authorized to register people to vote statewide. We believe that our registration efforts positively impacted our most recent elections.

The Cook County Bar Association Bench & Bar Spouses, Inc. is an affiliate of the National Association of Bench & Bar Spouses (NABBS).   The CCBA-B&BS, Inc. has enjoyed the honor of hosting members of NABBS during their convention.  The CCBA-B&BS, Inc. hosted NABBS in 1950, 1964, 1974, 1985, and 1996.