The 11th annual luncheon and fashion show to benefit Georgia Court Appointed Special Advocates is planned for 11 a.m. March 25 at the Piedmont Driving Club.
CASA is a statewide organization that supports and promotes advocates for abused and neglected children going through court proceedings.
“As community partners in the child welfare system, CASA volunteers increase abused and neglected children’s access to services, promote safety and advocate for timeliness and permanency for children involved in juvenile court proceedings,” its mission statement reads.
The annual luncheon has raised more than $325,000 since its inception.
This year's event honors Canton resident Millie Bush, the 2014 National CASA Volunteer of the Year. WXIA-TV's Chesley McNeil will emcee the fashion show, featuring women's collections from Tootsies and men's from Guffey's. Models will include CASA staff members, volunteers and supporters. Sponsors include Marie and Jim Hannon, Becky and David Wallis and the Junior League of Atlanta.
Since Georgia CASA’s founding in 1988, more than 22,000 CASA volunteers have been trained to serve as advocates for 110,000 abused and neglected children.
"To fully train CASA volunteer advocates who work together with the court system to protect the best interests of foster children, we need financial support from members of the community," said Duaine Hathaway, executive director of Georgia CASA. "We served more than 9,000 children last year with the help of more than 2,200 CASA volunteers."
CASA has 47 affiliates across Georgia that serve 143 counties and 48 of the 49 judicial circuits. Still, the need grows.
“Every year, about 4,000 abused and neglected children have no CASA advocate,” Hathaway said. “Also, 16 Georgia counties still have no access to CASA advocates. Money raised at events such as the annual luncheon and fashion show goes to support the services Georgia CASA provides in Atlanta and to affiliates throughout the state.”
A March 3 preview party hosted by the CASA Gentlemen’s Committee precedes the luncheon.
Individual luncheon tickets start at $85. Premium front-row tables of 10 are $1,000, and other sponsorship levels are available. For full details or to buy tickets, see gacasa.org/Luncheon_Fashion_Show.php or call 404-874-2888.
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