Minnesota Judges, Staff Serve Lunch At Dorothy Day

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Judges from the state's Supreme Court and Court of Appeals -- along with law clerks and court staff -- are serving lunch Friday at the Dorothy Day Center in St. Paul.

The annual barbecue is part of the judicial branch's efforts to reach out to people it serves.

Judges and staff have served more than 4,000 meals to the needy in the first eight years of this event. They expect to serve about 550 meals on Friday.

Court of Appeals Judge Jill Flaskamp Halbrooks says it's an honor for the judges to participate in the event, and they look forward to it each year. She says it helps the public put a face to members of the judicial branch.

Beef patties and ice cream parfaits are donated for the event.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)