Bar Benefit 2003 Raises Record Contributions for Legal Services

Minneapolis (3-17-03): -- The Hennepin County Bar Foundation announced today that its BAR BENEFIT 2003 set a record for contributions for the fifth consecutive year from the legal community in support of local legal service programs. Katherine L. MacKinnon, chair of the planning committee, and Foundation President David R. Forro thanked all concerned.

Karen Lee Sorbo, professional auctioneer, encouraged attorneys to dig deep to bid on Caribbean and Costa Rican vacations, as well as U.S. get-a-ways, continuing education packages, wine collections and even a five pound Hershey’s chocolate bar. Donors celebrated a 14% increase over last year, with $64,000 donated to the Foundation through ticket sales, direct contributions and the live auction. An additional $10,000 was raised at the event in a silent auction for the Volunteer Lawyers Network.

Over 400 members of the bench and bar enjoyed an evening of fun and fundraising Tuesday (March 11) at the Radisson Plaza Hotel. Honorary chairs, attorney Mary C. Cade, Vice President and Senior Counsel of Medtronic, Inc. and Dean Thomas M. Mengler of the University of St. Thomas School of Law hosted the evening and also presented the HCBA’s Pro Bono Publico awards. Recognized for their service to the community through volunteer service were attorneys William D. Hittler, Nancy A. Wiltgen and Jeremy Lane. (See separate release for information on award recipients.)

Founded in 1968, the Hennepin County Bar Foundation 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 community organizations involved in public legal education and the delivery of legal services to the citizens of Hennepin County. Over $400,000 in grants have been distributed in the last seven years, supported in large part by the Bar Benefit, as well as individual contributions from the Hennepin County legal community.

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