Each year, the Great North Innocence Project community gathers at the Benefit for Innocence to celebrate our freed and exonerated clients, honor the amazing contributions of our partners and supporters, and raise money to continue the mission of freeing innocent people from prison.
Light the path to freedom.
For 25 years, the Great North Innocence Project has helped innocent people navigate the long journey from wrongful conviction toward freedom while working to prevent future injustices.
Join us as we celebrate 25 years of impact, honor the founding wayfinders and guiding stars whose vision and support have helped chart our course, and look ahead to the work still needed to ensure every innocent person has the opportunity to find their way home.
Tickets
The 2026 Benefit for Innocence will be held on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at Nicollet Island Pavilion, 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. With questions, contact Katy Briggs at kbriggs@gn-ip.org.
Schedule
- 5:30PM – Registration, drinks, and food
- 7:00PM – Program
- 8:30PM – Dessert, mingling, and music
- 9:30PM – Benefit concludes
Cocktail attire with a touch of North Star sparkle encouraged!
Highlights
- Celebrating GNIP’s 25 years of impact
- Honoring our Guiding Stars and Wayfinders, whose vision and generosity have helped chart GNIP’s course
- The inspiring story of GNIP exoneree Robert “Bobby” Bintz, who, alongside his brother David, spend more than 25 years in prison for a crime they did not commit
- Live music, including a special musical guest
Guests will enjoy:
- Complimentary valet parking
- Delicious food stations (gluten-free and vegetarian options)
- Complimentary welcome drink and soft drinks (cash bar available)
- Exciting silent auction packages and crowd-favorite Heads or Tails game
Our Sponsors
With deep appreciation, the Great North Innocence Project recognizes the vital contributions of our 2026 sponsors. Support by our sponsors are crucial to Great North Innocence Project’s continued growth in wrongful conviction justice within the areas of investigation and litigation, education and outreach, and advocacy.
Defenders
Advocates
If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor of GNIP’s work to free the wrongfully convicted, please contact Deandra Bieneman, Development Director, at dbieneman@gn-ip.org.