Cass County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for children) hosted its seventh annual auction, a CASA Country Cookout at the Edward Lowe Foundation’s Big Rock Valley in Cassopolis on July 27, this year with help from the CASA board, volunteer advocates and staff.

It was another record-breaking year for the annual fundraiser.

CASA’s net income from the event exceeded $50,000.

Cass County now has approximately 175 children in foster care and this will allow the program to grow to support and advocate for many more abused and neglected children.

A second advocate training this year is scheduled for October.

Judge Susan Dobrich talked about a particular child placed in foster care at age 5 and his CASA who stayed by him for three years, advocating for adoption outside the family even when it was not the obvious choice.

Amber, one of Cass County’s own kids and her CASA Nancy, spoke eloquently, sharing their story with donors.

Approximately 200 people attended this year’s event chaired by Denise Wierman.

Ribs and chicken were prepared on site by MTP Catering.

The program was held outdoors under tents and threatening skies, but all turned out well.

An optional Friends of CASA reception with Judge Dobrich was held in the Tower of Tomorrow prior to the start of the main event.

This year CASA featured two raffles and two dinner and entertainment offerings at Holden Green in Cassopolis and at Round Barn Winery.

There were 10 live “fun” auction items. Live entertainment throughout the evening was provided by the North American Brass Band.

Top dollar was received for all of the auction items, including two nights at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, four days in New Orleans, South Bend Civic Theater season tickets with downtown dinners and a hot air balloon ride for two.

But the biggest return always comes from the “call of the heart” — pure donations to help the CASA program train new volunteers to help the kids.

Pictures of the memorable evening are on Casa’s website, www.casscocasa.org.

The CASA board would like to thank everyone who participated in this event for making it such a success.

They appreciate the generosity in our community and the willingness to support such a worthy cause.

Cass County CASA was started by Judge Dobrich of Cass County Family Court in 1995.

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 foster care.

If you are interested in learning more about being a volunteer advocate or a board member, contact Jim Ward, director, at (269) 445-4431.