CASA Receives Funds Through Annual Golf Tournament

CASA of Central Texas was one of 11 local CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) programs statewide to receive proceeds raised by Kwik Chek/McCraw Oil through its annual golf tournament.

This year’s tournament raised $60,000, $3,000 of which was contributed to CASA of Central Texas. Kwik Chek/McCraw Oil has donated a portion of the golf tournament’s proceeds to CASA since 2009. In that first year, the tournament raised $31,000.

“We are grateful for Kwik Chek and McCraw Oil for their longstanding support of CASA and the best interests of children and youth in the child protection system,” said Norma Castilla-Blackwell, CASA of Central Texas executive director. “This donation will help us make a difference in the lives of these most vulnerable children.”

CASA of Central Texas is one of the 72 local programs across the state that recruits and trains volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children in the child protection system. CASA volunteers get to know these children individually and develop an understanding of their unique physical, emotional and educational needs in order to make informed recommendations to the court about placements and services.

Last year, more than 66,500 Texas children were confirmed as victims of abuse and neglect, and more than 46,600 of these children were in the child protection system. About 25,900 of these children had a CASA volunteer to advocate for them.

CASA volunteers are everyday people doing extraordinary work by choosing to speak up for children in their communities. Often, they are the one constant presence in these children’s lives while they navigate the overburdened system. Their mission is to help move these children out of foster care and into safe, permanent homes as quickly as possible.

In 2015, CASA of Central Texas served 445 children in Caldwell, Comal, Guadalupe and Hays Counties but there were still children who did not have the voice of a CASA volunteer. More volunteers are needed and free training courses will be held throughout the year. Visit www.casacentex.org for more information.

About Kwik Chek/McCraw Oil

Since 1972, McCraw Oil Company has proudly served Texas and Oklahoma with quality fuel, lubricants, propane and related supplies. Bill Wilson, President of McCraw Oil, is chair of the local CASA program’s board of directors in Bonham, Texas at Fannin County Children’s Center. His wife was a long-time CASA volunteer in Montgomery County.