Greetings from the Great North!

 We are thrilled to announce that the Great North Innocence Project will be hosting our largest fundraiser of the year, the Benefit for Innocence, on Wednesday, September 25 at Quincy Hall in Northeast Minneapolis. This highly anticipated event will feature exonerated GNIP client Marvin Haynes and keynote speaker Amanda Knox. With over 300 attendees expected, including community leaders and legal professionals, this promises to be an unforgettable evening in support of justice.

2023 was a landmark year for GNIP, thanks in large part to our incredible community of supporters. We successfully secured the release of three innocent individuals, including Marvin Haynes, who was exonerated in December. Marvin's story of wrongful conviction at the age of 16, followed by nearly 20 years in prison for a crime he did not commit, is one of inspiration and hope. We are honored to highlight his journey, along with that of renowned author and international exoneree Amanda Knox, at our September event.

As we gear up for the Great North INnocence Project’s Benefit for Innocence on September 25, we would like to invite you to be a vital part of our team as an event volunteer. As a small staff we rely on generous volunteer support to make our annual fundraising event possible. This year our theme “Forces for Justice” will center on highlighting our clients as the superheroes of their stories and will feature the client story of exonerated GNIP client Marvin Haynes and a keynote speech from author and exoneree Amanda Knox.

Event Information: 

Benefit for Innocence: Forces of Justice

Wednesday, September 25

Event time: 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Quincy Hall: 1325 Quincy St NE, Minneapolis, MN 5513

Day before Benefit for Innocence Volunteer Positions:

• Name tag crew (12pm-2pm): On September 24th, we will need help inserting and alphabetizing name guest tags. 

Benefit Evening Volunteer Positions:

• Event Setup and Decoration (12 pm-3 pm): Help us  transform Quincy Hall into a warm and inviting space that reflects the spirit of the Great North. We'll need assistance with setting up tables, chairs, decorations, and signage.

• Registration and Guest Check-In (4:00 pm-9:30 pm): Welcome our attendees with a friendly smile, assist with check-in, distribute programs, and provide information about the event schedule.

• Assisting with Silent Auction and Raffle (4:45 pm-9:30 pm): Support our silent auction and heads or tails, including organizing items, selling bracelets, and answering questions. At the end of the night volunteers will help silent auction winners check their items out. Making sure all tangible items have been picked up. 

• Coat check (5:00 pm - 10:30 pm): Help our guests by checking in their coats as they arrive at the venue.

• Event Cleanup (8:45 pm- 10:30/11:00 pm): After the event concludes, we'll need help cleaning up Quincy Hall and ensuring it's returned to its original condition.

If you're interested in volunteering, please sign up below. 

Thank you for your considerations, we'd love to have your support in brining our benefit to life!