DOWAGIAC – On Saturday, July 25, Cass County CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates for children) hosted its third annual auction, CASAblanca, at Mathews Conference Center on the campus of Southwestern Michigan College.

Beth McLoughlin chaired the event again this year with help from the entire board and staff.
Early estimates indicate CASA’s net income from the event exceeded $37,000.

Jim Ward, program director, remarked to the audience that it cost on average $950 to recruit, train and support a new volunteer in their first year.

Cass County has 150 children in foster care and this will allow the program to grow past its current number of 18 active volunteer advocates.

Approximately 200 people attended the event.

Food was donated by local restaurants including Broadway Café, Maury’s Pub, Orchard Hills Country Club, Park Shore Marina and Grill, Sauk Trail Bar and Grille, Wood Fire Trattoria, Caruso’s Candy Kitchen and S’ Wonderful Confections.

For more information  call 445-4431, or visit casscocasa@yahoo.com.