Gaïtas stepped outside the courtroom with roughly 40 other legal professionals to serve lunch at the St. Paul Opportunity Center.
She says the event is a chance to foster trust and connect top legal officials directly with the community members they serve.
" It's a great opportunity to meet new faces, to explain what we do, and just to have that connection," says Gaïtas, " not only with other volunteers but individuals who are using Catholic Charities."
She says she plans to carry this focus on community into her time in on the bench.
"I do think it's important for our courts to connect with our community, with all Minnesotan's and this is one way for us to do that."
Catholic Charities CEO Jamie Verbrugge says the annual event aims to bridge the gap between high-level public officials and local residents.
" We love to see this type of volunteerism, we love the commitment that we have here."
He says, hopes the event will help kickstart a fresh wave of public support, for their programs ahead of a busy summer season.
Catholic Charities relies heavily on local support to sustain these critical summer operations, community members can make an impact by donating non-perishable food, volunteering at local shelters, or making financial contributions.
