Children's Law Center of Minnesota

10/03/2026

Young people in foster care deserve more than a place to stay. They deserve safety, stability, access to essential services, and a voice when systems fail them.

A recent federal court ruling in Los Angeles highlights the important role legal advocacy can play in protecting those rights. In Ocean S. v. Los Angeles County, seven foster youth and young adults allege systemic failures involving safe housing, behavioral health services, disability protections, due process, and access to necessary care.

On September 23, a federal judge allowed most of those claims to move forward.

Cases like this are an important reminder of why legal representation matters for young people involved in foster care. Having an attorney who listens, advocates, and helps a young person understand and assert their rights can make a meaningful difference in what happens next.

At Children’s Law Center of Minnesota, we work every day to ensure that foster youth have a voice in decisions that affect their lives.

Read more about the case: https://www.mto.com/achievement/federal-district-court-allows-foster-youth-civil-rights-lawsuit-to-proceed/

Munger, Tolles & Olson, together with Public Counsel, the Alliance for Children’s Rights and Children’s Rights, secured a significant ruling allowing a

10/02/2026

What a night for our live auction!

A huge thank you to our auctioneer Andy, who brought great energy and helped us shatter our record. Our generous bidders showed up in a big way, raising $18,650 in our live auction—that's over $6,000 more than last year and more than double our 2024 total!

We're beyond grateful to everyone who raised a paddle and helped make this record-breaking night possible.

Photo credit: Craig Mullenbach, Mullenbach Photo LLC.

10/01/2026

Our guests brought plenty of star power to this year’s Celebration of Champions! ✨

After walking the red carpet, guests had a chance to have a little fun in front of our shimmering Hollywood-style backdrop — one of the many touches that helped bring our “Lights, Camera, Impact!” theme to life.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the evening such a memorable celebration of the Children’s Law Center of Minnesota and the young people we serve.

📸 Photo courtesy of Craig Mullenbach, Mullenbach Photo LLC.

10/01/2026

One of the highlights of our 31st Anniversary Celebration of Champions Benefit was hearing from our keynote speaker, Gaelin Elmore.

Gaelin shared a powerful and inspiring message about belonging, connection, and the difference caring adults can make in the lives of young people. His words were a meaningful reminder of why the work of the Children’s Law Center of Minnesota matters — and why every young person deserves to be seen, heard, and supported.

Thank you, Gaelin, for helping make this year’s benefit such a memorable evening.

📸 Photo courtesy of Craig Mullenbach, Mullenbach Photo LLC.

09/30/2026

At Children’s Law Center of Minnesota, we believe every young person in foster care deserves a voice, a choice, and someone standing beside them.

This video, created for our 2026 Celebration of Champions Benefit & Awards, features Jacoby Unger and highlights the importance of client-directed legal advocacy and the difference a dedicated advocate can make in a young person’s life.

We’re grateful to Jacoby for sharing his perspective and to Storyboard Films for helping us tell this story so powerfully.

Watch the video and learn more about CLC’s work at https://youtu.be/WQdldAcS0D8.

Video produced by Storyboard Films:



https://youtu.be/WQdldAcS0D8

09/25/2026

Some people make a difference in the lives of children not because it is their profession—but because they choose to open their lives and their hearts. ❤️

Congratulations to Gina and Paul Henkelman, recipients of Children’s Law Center of Minnesota’s 2026 Heroes for Children Award.

Their commitment to children and family beautifully reflects what this award represents: people whose actions have made a lasting difference in the well-being of Minnesota’s children.

It was our privilege to celebrate Gina and Paul at this year’s Celebration of Champions.

Congratulations, Gina and Paul—and thank you for showing what it means to be Heroes for Children.

09/25/2026

Congratulations to Maslon LLP, Children’s Law Center of Minnesota’s 2026 Distinguished Service Award recipient! ⚖️

CLC’s work has always depended on attorneys who are willing to stand beside children and make sure their voices are heard. Maslon exemplifies that commitment through its dedication to pro bono service and CLC’s young clients.

We were proud to celebrate Maslon and its attorneys at our 2026 Celebration of Champions.

Thank you for standing with Minnesota’s children and youth.

09/25/2026

Congratulations to Shannon Smith, recipient of Children’s Law Center of Minnesota’s 2026 Rosalie E. Wahl Justice for Children Award! 🌟

Shannon has devoted decades to advocating for Indigenous children, families, and tribes and ensuring their voices and rights are protected.

We were honored to recognize Shannon at our 31st Anniversary Celebration of Champions and celebrate a career dedicated to justice for children.

Congratulations, Shannon—and thank you for the extraordinary work you continue to do.

09/23/2026

🎬 WE'RE SOLD OUT! 🎬

The excitement is building for tomorrow night's Celebration of Champions!

Children's Law Center of Minnesota's 31st Anniversary Celebration of Champions Benefit & Awards is officially SOLD OUT!

We're grateful for the incredible support of our sponsors, guests, volunteers, and community as we prepare to roll out the red carpet at the Hollywood Theater tomorrow evening.

🎉 BUT THERE'S STILL A WAY TO JOIN THE EXCITEMENT!

Our online silent auction is OPEN, and you can bid from anywhere! Explore incredible experiences, dining, entertainment, and more.

⏰ Bidding closes tomorrow, September 24, at 7:45 p.m. Central.

🛍️ BROWSE & BID:

https://clcm.betterworld.org/auctions/2025-clc-celebration-champions-b-4

🌟 SNEAK PEEK AT OUR LIVE AUCTION!

Want to see what's coming up on stage? Check out our live auction preview, featuring amazing getaways, exclusive experiences, and special surprises!

🎟️ PREVIEW THE LIVE AUCTION:

https://clcmn.org/get-involved/annual-benefit/31st-anniversary-benefit-live-auction-preview/

A limited number of individual seats may still be available at designated tables. Contact us directly for availability.

Thank you for helping ensure that every child deserves a starring role!