Pictured are CASA Annual Holday Festival attendees at their recent Nov. 11 fundraiser. Photo provided by Erin N. Rowland Jones.

News Release

WARSAW — CASA of Kosciusko County held its Annual Holiday Festival fundraiser Friday, Nov. 11.

CASA hosted close to 400 corporate sponsors, business leaders and other CASA supporters at Image Air Charter’s hangar. The theme “Strands of Lives Changed” was inspired by CASA of Kosciusko County celebrating their 30th, or Pearl, Anniversary, of advocating for abused and neglected children. Once again the community did their part to financially support CASA’s mission of providing advocates for children embroiled in the court system.

CASA is grateful for the continued support of Image Air, for allowing the use of their hangar; The Downtown Eatery for providing bar services; and Jolynn Likens and Service Liquors for providing the wine on the guest’s tables.

“The event was a huge success, and we are so thankful for the many sponsors who make this event, and CASA in general, possible”, said Executive Director Erin Rowland Jones.

CASA wants to thank the generosity and support of their Pearl Sponsors, Core Mechanical Services, D & D Electric, Silveus Insurance Group, Wil and Kristi Boren and Karen and Fred Rowland; their Platinum Sponsors, DePuy Synthes and Zimmer Biomet; and their Gold Sponsors, Network Partners, Whimet and Wildman Group.

During the event, CASA recognized late Judge David C. Cates and the recently founded Honorable David C. Cates Memorial Leadership Society. Kim Cates, David Cates’ wife, was brought onstage to say a few words and announce that she gave a donation to become the first member of The Society. A brief program educated the guests on how CASA has been impactful in one family’s life, with Amy Music bravely telling her story of resilience.

CASA of Kosciusko County is a nonprofit organization committed to advocating for the best interest of children who are at risk of, or who have suffered from, abuse and neglect. CASA raises over half of their working budget at this event and the money goes toward recruiting, training and supporting volunteers to serve as advocates for children in the family court system. The demand for CASA is greater than ever, and the cost associated to serve a single child is over $1,000.

“The children of our community need your help. These children, whose voices our volunteers represent, are brought into the court system due to no fault of their own. The cases our volunteers are seeing represent the very worst cases of abuse and neglect. These children not only need an advocate in court, they need a caring, consistent adult meeting with them during the most traumatic time of their lives,” states Rowland Jones.

If you would like more information on how to become a CASA volunteer or would like to donate, please visit www.casachildren.com or call CASA at (574) 372-2401.