Steppin’ Out 2012: Celebration, Dinner & Awards
We want to thank everyone who joined us for our first annual awards celebration dinner. What a memorable evening! The event netted more than $50,000, which will enable IPF to continue its mission of finding and freeing the wrongfully convicted in Florida and helping those who have been released rebuild their lives. We extend a special thank you to our many sponsors.
Some highlights are pictured below.
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- Buddy Schulz, Holland and Knight, accepts the Talbot “Sandy” D’Alemberte Commitment to Justice Award.
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- David Rothman, criminal defense attorney and event chairperson, welcomes everyone to the celebration.
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- Henry Coxe, past president of The Florida Bar, served as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening.
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- Maddy deLone, Executive Director of the Innocence Project, chats with Orlando Boquete, Florida DNA exoneree.
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- Marty McClain accepts the Frank Lee Smith Innocence Award.
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- The evening included a silent auction.
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- Steppin’ Out with the Innocence Project was a celebration raising critical funds to continue our work.
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- Wilton Dedge, Florida DNA exoneree, shares his story with the audience.
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- Eight Florida exonerees celebrated their lives of freedom and independence at Steppin’ Out 2012.
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- Alberto Diaz stands with his dad, Luis Diaz, as Luis is introduced and honored at Steppin’ Out 2012.
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- James Bain, the longest wrongfully incarerated individual in the U.S., chats with guests during the reception.
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- Derrick and Evonne Williams Celebrate with Bill Dillon.
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- Alan Crotzer listens as other exonerees’ stories are told.
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- Steve Hanlon, Holland & Knight, reflects on the evening with Sandy D’Alemberte and Patsy Palmer.
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- Juan Melendez thanks Marty McClain, his post-conviction attorney, for saving his life. Juan spent 6,446 days on Death Row for a crime he did not commit.
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- More than 250 friends and supporters along with 8 exonerees joined us to celebrate at the Four Seasons Hotel in Miami.
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- Several exonerees stand with William Michael Dillon as he sings his original song, Black Robes and Lawyers.
Eight Florida exonerees were joined by more than 250 friends and supporters celebrating the inspiring lives of these men and honoring those who have worked diligently to advance justice for all. The evening included the presentation of the Talbot “Sandy” D’Alemberte Commitment to Justice Award to Holland & Knight LLP and the Frank Lee Smith Innocence Award to Martin J. “Marty” McClain, Esq.
The following individuals and organizations were named to the Chairman’s Honor Roll and recognized for their exceptional support for the cause of innocence:
- The Archibald Foundation,
- Hank Asher,
- Charitable Legacy, Inc. a private foundation of Hitesh “John” Adhia,
- Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers,
- The Florida Bar,
- The Florida Bar Foundation,
- Jenny Greenberg, Esq.,
- Jack & Doris Lynn,
- Sheila Meehan,
- The Menschel Family, and
- Gary Yordon.