Cass County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for children) will be hosting its sixth annual auction, CASA Country Cookout, July 28.
Last year, more than 200 individuals, business owners and community leaders supported CASA 2011 at Big Rock Valley in Cass County.
Community support enables CASA to continuously recruit and train new CASA volunteer advocates and to provide ongoing training and education for all its volunteers.
The goal of this year’s auction at the Edward Lowe Foundation’s Big Rock Valley in Cassopolis is to significantly increase the number of CASA advocates to give abused and neglected children in foster care a powerful voice.
More than 100 items have been donated by individuals and local businesses, including:
• Kitchen basket including KitchenAid mixer and other small appliances
• Grand Hotel package on Mackinac Island
• Complete entertainment center including flat-screen TV and DVD player
• American Girl basket
• Classic movie basket with portable DVD player
• Diamond Lake weekend at a lakefront cottage
• Chicago getaway weekend
• Football and baseball tickets
There are many more sporting events, products, restaurants and services and truly something for every interest and budget.
The festivities at Big Rock Valley begin at 5 p.m. featuring the Black River Band; something new called Bucket Games, featuring bundled items; the always lively and entertaining live auction; a buffet dinner; and cash bar. Tickets are $50 per person ($60 after June 30) and can be purchased from CASA board members or at the CASA office in Cassopolis. Tables of eight are also available.
An optional “Friends of CASA Reception” hosted by the Honorable Susan L. Dobrich begins at 4:30 p.m.
Tickets for the reception are $75 and include the cookout. Checks, credit cards and cash accepted.
Cass County CASA is a not-for-profit agency of trained volunteers from the community who are appointed by the judge to advocate for abused and neglected children in Cass County. All contributions are tax deductible.
For more information on tickets for this event, contact Erica Boulanger, program coordinator, or Jim Ward, director, at (269) 445-4431 or casscocasa2@yahoo.com.