Karen Lee Sorbo, professional auctioneer, urged attorney generosity as they bid on Caribbean, Gulf and Mountain get-aways, as well as such items as a team-autographed basketball from the Timberwolves, a wine and chocolate evening, continuing education passes, and unique hand-crafted wine goblets. Donors celebrated an increase over last year, with $68,000 donated to the Foundation through ticket sales, direct contributions and the live auction. An additional $18,000 was raised at the event in a silent auction and raffle for the Volunteer Lawyers Network.

Over 400 members of the bench and bar enjoyed the evening of fun and fundraising Tuesday (March 9) at the Radisson Plaza Hotel. Honorary chairs, Judge Joan N. Ericksen, United States District Court for the District of Minnesota and Dean Alex M. Johnson, Jr. of the University of Minnesota Law School 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 Steven E. Carlson, Laurel E. Learmonth and the Hon. Lloyd B. Zimmerman. (See separate release 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 $450,000 in grants have been distributed in the last eight years, supported in large part by the Bar Benefit, as well as individual contributions from the Hennepin County legal community.