Children’s Law Center of Minnesota’s Annual Benefit is our largest fundraising event of the year—and a powerful celebration of the people who make our mission possible. Each fall, we gather with community members, legal professionals, and supporters to raise vital funds for our work on behalf of youth in foster care.
The 31st Anniversary Celebration of Champions Benefit & Awards is an evening of inspiring stories, exciting auctions, and the presentation of awards, honoring individuals and organizations who go above and beyond to support the rights and well-being of children. Proceeds from the Benefit help ensure that every child we serve receives strong legal advocacy and the support they need to thrive.
Lights, Camera, Impact! Every Child Deserves a Starring Role.
Children’s Law Center of Minnesota will host the 31st Anniversary Celebration of Champions Benefit & Awards on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the Hollywood Theater in Northeast Minneapolis.
This year’s Hollywood-themed event will be a fun and inspiring evening celebrating the incredible impact made possible by our supporters, volunteers, and community partners. Guests will enjoy a memorable night while helping ensure that children and youth in foster care continue to have a strong voice and dedicated legal representation.
SPONSORSHIP LEVELS
Champion — $15,000+
Justice — $10,000+
Humanitarian — $7,500+
Advocate — $5,500+
Benefactor — $2,500+
Guardian — $1,500+
Friend — $500+
HOW TO REGISTER AS A SPONSOR
To complete your sponsorship registration, please complete the Annual Benefit Sponsorship Sign-Up form.
You have two payment options:
Invoice Option: Complete the form and select to receive an invoice via email for payment.
Pay Now Option: Complete the form and choose to pay immediately using a credit card or PayPal. Please note that a 3% transaction surcharge will be added to your payment if you select this option.
All sponsors must complete the form in full, as some fields are required. Thank you for your generous support!
Our 2025 Honorees
Rosalie E. Wahl Justice for Children
Lisa McNaughton (2025 Recipient)This award is presented annually to someone who has dedicated their life to fighting for justice for at-risk or underprivileged children in our communities. The late Honorable Rosalie E. Wahl earned a reputation as a voice for those living on the edges of society—the poor, the accused, and the powerless. This award is named for Justice Wahl for her tireless work on behalf of children. CLC created the Justice for Children Award in her name and honored Justice Wahl as the first recipient in 2005.
Distinguished Service Award
Stinson LLP (2025 Recipient)Children’s Law Center annually identifies one law firm or corporation whose work on behalf of CLC’s clients exemplifies the commitment and dedication to pro bono representation that is the foundation of our mission.
Heroes For Children Award
Kate Rickord, MA, LP, SEP (2025 Recipient)This award recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to the well-being of Minnesota’s children in either a career or volunteer position. Nominees may work with children in any area—such as teaching, health care, legislation, advocacy, or mentoring – affecting physical, spiritual, social, or emotional well-being.
Tickets To Attend
Everyone is welcome to attend this special evening, whether or not you are affiliated with one of our sponsors.
If you are affiliated with a Benefit sponsor, please note that sponsors receive a set number of reserved seats based on their sponsorship level. If your organization has already designated you to use one of those seats, you do not need to purchase a ticket. If you are unsure whether you are included on your organization’s guest list, we recommend checking with your employer or the main contact at your organization before registering.
All others are warmly invited to purchase a ticket and join us for this inspiring evening in support of children and youth in foster care. We would be honored to have you with us.
Sponsorship
Celebrate With Us at the 31st Anniversary Celebration of Champions Benefit!
Join Children’s Law Center of Minnesota on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the historic Hollywood Theater in Minneapolis for our 31st Anniversary Celebration of Champions Benefit & Awards. This special evening celebrates more than three decades of advocacy for children and youth in foster care and the volunteers, supporters, and community partners who make this work possible.
We invite new and returning supporters to sponsor this meaningful event. Sponsorships play a critical role in supporting CLC’s mission and help ensure that children and youth in foster care have a strong voice and a dedicated advocate by their side.
Sponsorships can be completed through our online form, with options to pay online or request an invoice. Thank you for helping us continue this vital work and for being part of this inspiring evening.
Thank You, Sponsors!
Children’s Law Center of Minnesota is deeply grateful for the generous support of our Annual Benefit sponsors and the many partners and supporters who stand with us throughout the year. Your commitment makes our work possible and helps ensure that children and youth in foster care are heard, supported, and never alone.
To see a full list of CLC supporters, click here.