CASA To Host “CASA And Los Compadres, Viva Ole!” Fundraiser

“It is challenging at times, but seeing the children move past a period of adversity outweighs the challenge. I love being a CASA,” said LaVonia Williams, CASA of Central Texas volunteer.

CASA of Central Texas invites the community to support the child advocacy organization by attending their upcoming annual fundraiser, CASA and Los Compadres, “Viva Ole!”

Friends of CASA will gather on April 20 at 6:30 p.m. at The Chandelier of Gruene. Funds raised will go towards recruiting, training and supporting community volunteers to advocate for the best interest of children who have been removed from their homes because of abuse and neglect.

The program supports volunteers and children in their four-county service area of Caldwell, Comal, Guadalupe and Hays Counties.

The night will feature live music, dinner, silent and live auctions and party games. Guests can bid on items including a four-day, three-night stay in Breckenridge CO, a motorized State of Texas Cooler, an Iron Cactus Artwork made from Amish Horse Shoes, a two-day trip for six to Texas Wine Country, a river raft trip on the Guadalupe River, a Golf Putter, a Handmade Fishing Rod and more.

The event will also serve as a night honoring long-time supporters in the courtroom and community, The San Marcos Lions Club and Comal County Commissioner, Donna Eccleston.

CASA of Central Texas Executive Director Norma Blackwell said Commissioner Eccleston is being recognized for her support for the children in her community and for the CASA volunteers.

“Not only does she regularly attend CASA events so she can thank our volunteers in person. But she also uses her position in the community to create action for bettering our children,” Blackwell said. “She listens to issues and asks how she can help, and that makes her most deserving of this recognition.”

The San Marcos Lions Club has supported CASA financially for years and also often asks CASA to share their mission and need for more volunteers at their club meetings.

“The San Marcos Lions Club is a respected organization in our community. Their support lends credibility to our organization, so we are blessed they find value in our program and the work our volunteers do for children,” Blackwell said. “Their individual members are active and work tirelessly to improve the community. We truly appreciate their support and want to show that it is not taken lightly.”

Tickets may be purchased at www.casacentex.org, over the phone at 830-626-2272, or at the door.

Local businesses and individuals are supporting the event with sponsorships: ECM International, The GVTC Foundation, Mariposa at Hunter Road Apartments, McKenna Foundation, New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung, CMC Steel Texas, J&R Gymnastics, The Kyle Law Firm, Property Professionals, Inc., and Texas Lehigh Cement Company.

CASA of Central Texas began in 1985 in Comal County with 18 volunteer advocates and the mission to recruit and train volunteers who would provide an objective viewpoint in civil child protection court cases.

By 1994 the program expanded into Hays and Caldwell counties and into its fourth county, Guadalupe, in 1996. CASA has grown to more than 200 active volunteers offering a unique service, advocacy for children who have been abused or neglected and are under State protective care.

“I became a CASA to help support children in need of a voice because I do believe it takes a village,” said LaVonia Williams, CASA of Central Texas volunteer. “It is challenging at times, but seeing the children move past a period of adversity outweighs the challenge.  I love being a CASA.”

In 2017, CASA volunteers served nearly 575 children in Caldwell, Comal, Guadalupe and Hays Counties, but there were still another 550 children who did not have the voice of a CASA. More advocates are needed and trainings are held throughout the year.

Individuals interested making a difference in the life of an abused or neglected child in your community, or for more information about the CASA fundraising dinner and auction, please contact the CASA office at 830-626-2272 or visit www.casacentex.org.