News Item
Judges, justices serve lunch at annual charity picnic
Posted: Thursday, May 29, 2025
Minnesota Court of Appeals judges and Supreme Court justices joined law clerks and staff from the Minnesota Judicial Center to serve lunch at Catholic Charities Dorothy Day Place in St. Paul.
“We look forward to this lunch every year,” said Court of Appeals Judge Diane Bratvold, who chairs the event. “We are thankful for our partnership with Catholic Charities Twin Cities that allows us to provide this service to their community. The best part of the day is visiting with and serving meals to the clients of Dorothy Day Place.”
Under a bright blue sky, judges, justices, law clerks, and staff served nearly 600 people hamburgers, fruit, baked beans, coleslaw and chips.
This annual event was started in 2003 by Court of Appeals Judge R.A. “Jim” Randall, who was one of the original six judges appointed to the Court of Appeals in 1983. Judge Randall passed away in August 2024, so this year's event was renamed “The Judge Jim Randall Annual Picnic at Dorothy Day Place” in his honor.
“This year is bittersweet, as it is the first year that Judge Randall will not participate,” said Judge Bratvold. “It’s appropriate that the name of the event recognize Judge Randall this year, and for years to come.”
The Judge Jim Randall Annual Picnic at Dorothy Day Place is made possible by financial and volunteer contributions from Minnesota Court of Appeals judges, Supreme Court justices, retired appellate court justices and judges, appellate court law clerks, the State Law Librarian, and other court staff. The Rhythm Pups, a local band, also volunteer their time to play music during the event.
“As a provider of emergency shelter, support services, and permanent homes for those most in need, we know strong partnerships build a compassionate community and help our clients thrive. We are grateful to the Minnesota Judicial Branch for once again hosting their annual picnic for our Dorothy Day Place community,” said Keith Kozerski, chief program officer at Catholic Charities Twin Cities. “Each year, our clients, staff, and partners look forward to this event and the spirit of camaraderie it fosters.”