On Nov. 14 people from around Kosciusko County converged upon the Image Air hangar to experience “A CASAblanca Event: Here’s look’n out for you kid!”
Attendees walked into a Mediterranean bazar 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, who will provide services for abused and neglected children entangled in the court system throughout Kosciusko County, according to a press release from CASA.
Mr. and Mrs. Lance Perry served as the event’s Presenting Platinum Sponsor, whose contributions surpassed expectation, the release states.
In the release, CASA also thanked “Mary Louise Miller and her extremely generously offering of the Image Air Charters hangar to host this year’s event. CASA is also deeply grateful for the financial and in-kind support of Zimmer Biomet, DePuy Synthes, Comcast and Mr. & Mrs. Michael Kubacki, who each served as Gold Sponsors.”
Other financial sponsors included Mark & Tina Dobson, Audrey Beckman, Instru-med, Paragon Medical Inc., Silveus Insurance, Lake City Bank, Nate Hwang and Nicole Poirier, Kosciusko Community Hospital, Old National Bank, Parkview Warsaw, Mr. and Mrs. Steven Ritchey, Orange Door Dental Group, Lewis Salvage Corp., Louis Dreyfus Commodities, Warsaw Morning Optimists, Mr. and Mrs. Lynn Klotz, Warsaw Autoplex, Alderfer, Bergen & Company, Hall & Marose, Silveus, Orthopediatrics, Pizza Hut of Fort Wayne, Mr. and Mrs. Bradley Tandy, Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts and Ziebart.
This year’s event was the beginning of a new era and it ended up being the most successful yet, the release states. In the past CASA, with the help of various donors, has provided a beer and wine tasting. This year they 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 Liquor, and hosted by board member Bill McCarrick. While the VIP guests enjoyed their wine and food provided by Viand Chef Services, 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 place for all 240+ 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 made the night a successful one and the food provided was one of the highlights of the night for guests, the release states. This year CASA had the following food vendors participate and provide scrumptious 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 desserts that were placed at each table.
Other supporters included businesses, individuals, and organizations who donated time and product to help CASA reach its fundraising goals included Image Air Charters, Mary Louise Miller, Mission Point Community Church, Noa Noa Restaurant, A Party Apart, Bartel Printing Company, Home City Ice, Service Liquors Inc, George Brennan, Dennis Polk from Polk Auction Company, Judge David C. Cates, Eagle Outdoor Sign Company, Hall & Marose, Silveus, JoLynn Likens, Barb Gauger, Jasen Gibbens, Warsaw Community High School, Warsaw Street Department, Team of Trine University girls, Karen Schneider and team, Wildman Business Group, Rabb Water, Beth Williman, Stafford’s Solid Waste, Didage Sales Co., Zimmer Biomet IT team, Zimmer Biomet truck, DeBruler Imaging, Chrome Entertainment and Grace Whalen from the Whalen Creative Group. Whalen coordinated this event, as well numerous event volunteers and auction item donors.
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, the release states.
CASA is a non-profit organization and is funded in part by the Kosciusko County United Way and the Community Foundation. Their mission, together with state and local members, is to support and promote court appointed volunteer advocacy so that every abused or neglected child can be safe, establish permanence, and have the opportunity to thrive.
For more information on how to become a CASA volunteer or make a financial donation, visit www.casachildren.com
(Story By The Times Union)
