Dear John,

Did you see Michael’s email from earlier today? He was our very first Gala Sweepstakes winner from last year. He got to fly to New York City with his wife and attend the annual Innocence Project gala.

Michael said it was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. He met one of his favorite authors, John Grisham, spoke with Innocence Project executive director Christina Swarns, and heard directly from exonerees about their experiences in the criminal legal system.

Now, we’re doing the same exact sweepstakes this year — and all you have to do is make a donation today, and you’ll be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip to New York City for you and a guest to attend the Innocence Project’s gala and sit at John Grisham’s table.

Take it from Michael, you don’t want to miss this opportunity. Enter before our deadline!

We’re rooting for you!

— The Innocence Project Team

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Michael from Utah via the Innocence Project
Date: 04/08/2024
Subject: All my life, I’ve dreamed of visiting New York City

Friend,

All my life, I’ve dreamed of visiting New York City — seeing the Statue of Liberty, eating a classic New York pizza slice, watching the hustle and bustle of Times Square. But I just never had the opportunity, until last year, when I entered the Innocence Project’s Gala Sweepstakes. 

To my disbelief and delight, I was chosen as the lucky winner. I had never won anything like this in my life! The Innocence Project flew my wife and me out to New York City, put us up in a fantastic hotel, and sat us with best-selling author John Grisham for their annual gala.

It was truly the experience of a lifetime, friend — and now, I’m thrilled to share that you have a chance to create your own memories with this incredible opportunity. All you have to do is make a donation right now, and you’ll be automatically entered for your chance to win a trip to New York City for you and a guest to attend the Innocence Project's annual gala.

Attending the Innocence Project’s gala was an incredibly moving experience for my wife and me. We met one of my favorite writers of all time, John Grisham. He was so kind and passionate when he spoke about how much this work means to him. He mentioned that he was amazed by how forgiving and positive the exonerees he knows are — and after meeting several people who were wrongly incarcerated, I couldn’t agree more.

The highlight of the night for me was sitting next to exoneree Johnny Hincapie. Johnny was only 18 years old when he was wrongly convicted and sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Listening to his story and the stories of so many other exonerees throughout the gala only confirmed just how critical this work is for so many wrongfully convicted people.

Hearing about wrongful incarceration directly from those who’ve been through it is something I’ll never forget, and something I think more people need to experience. By participating in this sweepstakes, you're not only supporting a vital cause but also opening yourself to the profound stories and experiences that define the fight for justice. Don't miss out on this opportunity to make a difference.

So if you want to have the same inspiring and transformative opportunity I had, then make a donation right now, and you’ll be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip to New York City to attend the Innocence Project’s annual gala.

Good luck!

Michael from Utah
2023 Innocence Project Gala Sweepstakes Winner
Innocence Project