Donning chefs’ hats and aprons, the Brooklyn Nets — New York’s newest sports team — visited St. John’s Bread and Life in Bedford Stuyvesant on November 15 to serve food to and sign autographs for the agency’s clients. In partnership with St. John’s University, Bread and Life provides meals, clothes and other services for the borough’s neediest residents. The Nets’ full roster was on hand to assist in the agency’s work, reflecting the community spirit demonstrated by the team and Barclays Bank — the naming rights partner of the team’s new arena in Downtown Brooklyn. “This was a wonderful opportunity for Bread and Life clients to meet the Nets on a special afternoon,” said Rev. James Maher, C.M., Executive Vice President for Mission and Student Services. “One of the missions of St. John’s University is to serve the underserved, and that couldn’t have been more evident as the Nets demonstrated a true, first-class approach in taking time out of their busy schedules to be with us in person.” Fr. Maher also is Chair of Bread and Life. Nets stars Joe Johnson, Brook Lopez and Deron Williams — along with teammates and staff — received a warm welcome. They joined in conversation and posed for pictures with more than 400 clients who waited on line for meals that afternoon. Anthony Butler, Executive Director of St. John’s Bread and Life, hosted the event and did several media interviews. The event also attracted press from the YES Network, Fios Network, WCBS-TV, photographers from New York’s daily newspapers and local Brooklyn press affiliates. Every day, St. John’s Bread and Life serves more than 2,000 meals to hungry New Yorkers, providing services at their 795 Lexington Avenue (Brooklyn) facility and through their Mobile Soup Kitchen. For many clients, Bread and Life provides the only meals they have. The agency is dedicated to combating poverty, helping people attain self sufficiency and educating the public about assisting those in need.