The Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for Children of South Central Missouri will host its second annual Texas County “Justice IS Served!” fundraiser event from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Friday (May 6) in the community building at the Houston Area Chamber of Commerce Fairgrounds.
The theme this year will be “Buckles and Spurs!” Dinner will be prepared by the Gentry Residential Treatment Center of Cabool, and served by local law enforcement officers. There will also be a silent auction, music provided by the STARS Foundation and an old west photo booth.
LEIGH ANN SIGMAN
In 2015, the Missouri 25th Judicial Circuit CASA served 167 children in foster care
“We have children on the waiting list to receive a CASA volunteer,” said CASA board treasurer Emma Brent. “We need more volunteers.”
Sponsorships are currently being solicited for the “Justice IS Served!” event (the main fundraiser for the not-for-profit organization). A wide range of ticket options are available, from individual to corporate level. Businesses or individuals may also sponsor a table.
CASA is a national organization of volunteers appointed by judges to speak for the safety and well-being of abused and neglected children. CASA of South Central Missouri was founded in 2005 and has since served more than 700 children.
In 2015, 167 children were served by 59 CASA of South Central Missouri volunteers in the 25th Judicial Circuit (which covers Texas, Phelps, Pulaski and Maries counties). Volunteers contributed over 1,296 hours in direct contact with the children and 4,219 hours of casework, and there is a projected increase for 2016.
“I just want to make a difference in a child’s life and I know that happens with CASA,” said volunteer Bob McClain. “I first heard about CASA eight years ago when I met a fellow patient in the hospital who told me how valuable CASA really is.”
McClain has been a CASA volunteer for about 18 months.
“The training was excellent,” he said. “When we moved back to Rolla, the first person I met at church was a CASA volunteer. I knew that was where I could contribute and it has been extremely rewarding.”
For more information about “Justice IS Served!” sponsorships, reservations or donations, call CASA volunteer coordinator Leigh Ann Sigman at 573-426-5437 or email casavol@fidmail.com.
CASA’s web address is www.casascmo.org.