Minneapolis (3-21-01): -- The Bar Benefit Committee of the Hennepin County Bar Foundation announced today that its BAR BENEFIT 2001 set a record for the third consecutive year contributions from the legal community to support local legal service programs. John T. Knight, chair of the planning committee, and Foundation President Marlene S. Garvis thanked all concerned: "Your caring has made the event our most successful ever."

Guest auctioneer Don Shelby of WCCO-TV encouraged attendees to buy Caribbean, Costa Rican and Mexican vacations, as well as U.S. get-a-ways, flight tickets, continuing education packages and other items. Over $57,000 was donated to the Foundation through direct contributions and the auctions, and an additional $9,000 was raised for the Volunteer Lawyers Network.

Over 400 members of the bench and bar enjoyed an evening of fun and fundraising, hosted by the honorary co-chairs: Hennepin County Attorney Amy Klobuchar and attorney Tom Tinkham. They presented the annual Pro Bono Publico awards to attorneys Bradley Thorsen, Daniel Tyson and Colleen Beede for their contributions to the community through volunteer service. (See separate release.)

The Hennepin County Bar Foundation, founded in 1968, is dedicated to the mission of ensuring the fairness of, and accessibility to, the legal system by promoting public understanding and confidence in our system of justice. Toward this end the Foundation makes grants each year to area community organizations involved in public legal education and the delivery of legal services to the citizens of Hennepin County. Over $350,000 in grants have been made in the last six years, supported in large part by the Bar Benefit, as well as individual contributions from the Hennepin County legal community.

Photos are available on request. 
Contact Duane Stanley, 612-752-6611 or duane@hcba.org