Opinion 05-104

November 28, 2005

         This is in response to your inquiry (05-104) asking whether a judge may be honored at an educational foundation sponsored breakfast where the cost of the ticket is minimal, although there may be some small net sum which may benefit the sponsor.

         The Committee has previously advised that a judge may attend a breakfast or other gathering and receive an award, provided that the event does not constitute a fund-raiser. (Opinion 95-161 (Vol. XIV). We have enclosed that opinion for your consideration. Accordingly, since the stated intent of the event is to honor prominent graduates of the institution and not to raise funds, and because the difference between the cost of the event and the anticipated total receipts is minimal, we perceive no ethical violation should you accept the honor and attend the breakfast.