Enjoying the VIP Reception with wine and a special speaker.

By GRACE WHALEN
CASA Holiday Festival Coordinator

People from around Kosciusko County converged upon the Image Air hangar to experience “A CASAblanca Event: Here’s look’n out for you kid!” on Saturday, Nov. 14.

Attendees walked into a Mediterranean bazaar where they could bid on the silent auction items before walking into the Moroccan décor of the main Casablanca event. The 14th Annual CASA Holiday Festival fundraiser was the most successful year to date, successfully raising over $120,000 to be used to support CASA operations and their mission of recruiting and training Court Appointed Special Advocates. The CASA’s provide services for abused and neglected children entangled in the court system throughout Kosciusko County.

This year’s event was the beginning of a new era and it ended up being the most successful yet. In the past CASA, with the help of various donors, has provided a beer and wine tasting. This year it evolved into an elegant sit down affair that catered to each attendee. The first hour of the event was a special wine tasting, donated by JoLynn Likens at Service Liquour, and hosted by board member Bill McCarrick. While the VIP guests enjoyed their wine and food provided by Viand Chef Services, Kosciusko Superior Court 1 Judge David C. Cates took the stage to help educate the guests on the importance of CASA.

The center stage draped in Moroccan fabrics was a perfect place for all 240 plus guests to feel like they had a front row seat. The sound that was provided by Chrome Entertainment was an important factor for guests to feel engaged with each speaker. There were two bars at the event that were provided by Noa Noa Restaurant serving various wines, beers and a signature cocktail and bottled water donated by Rabb Water.

The food was 100 percent donated by local chefs, restaurants and catering companies, this in-kind donation helps make the night a successful one and the food provided is one of the highlights of the night for guests. This year CASA was happy to have the following food vendors participate and provide tastings: Boathouse Restaurant, Light Rail Roaster, One Ten Craft Meatery, Sleepy Owl, Catering by Martins, and Oakwood. During the VIP cocktail hour, Viand Chef Services provided 100 VIP guests with a private tasting. After dinner, The Cake Lady provided a tray of extravagant desserts that were placed at each table.

Angie Ritchey, CASA Board President, had this to say to attendees, “Your support of our organization is a significant step in helping us with our mission. By attending the event, actively bidding on silent and live auctions and generously donating, you are helping to make a difference in a child’s life and reaping benefits to our community. Thank you for your support of our mission and our future.”

CASA Board of Directors and staff are humbled by the outpouring of community support through financial contributions. Without the help and generosity of incredible individuals, organizations, and companies, this year’s event would not have been the most successful year to date.

To receive more information on how to become a CASA volunteer or make a financial donation, visit www.casachildren.com.

To see a list of sponsors and supporters click here.

Related: A Fun Evening To Raise Funds To Support CASA