CASA gala fundraiser bringing a bit of ‘Downton Abbey’ to the Highland Lakes
DANIEL CLIFTON • PICAYUNE EDITOR
KINGSLAND — People spending the evening at the 2014 gala for CASA for the Highland Lakes Area might feel like they’ve been transported to “Downton Abbey.”
That’s because the organization is celebrating “An Evening at CASA Manor” with its themed party Feb. 22.
“The (PBS) show ‘Downton Abbey’ is so popular that we hope people will get into the theme,” said CASA advocate coordinator Galyn Woerner. “We think it’s going to be a really special evening.”
The gala is 6-10 p.m. at Lakeside Pavilion, 307 Buena Vista Drive in Marble Falls. Tickets are $100 per person or $800 a table. Reservations and tickets may be purchased by emailing kathryn@highlandlakescasa.com or calling (325) 388-3440.
The gala serves as a major fundraiser for CASA, which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates. The organization provides specially trained advocates to be the voices of children who have been removed from their home by Child Protective Services and placed either with a relative or a foster family.
A CASA volunteer acts as the eyes and the ears of the court system on behalf of the child. Often, the volunteer is the one constant in a child’s life after he or she has been removed by CPS.
CASA for the Highland Lakes Area serves five counties and currently has 70 volunteers helping about 200 children.
“These fundraisers are very important for us,” Woerner said. “They not only bring in money but also are a way we let people know who we are and what we do.”
Along with the theme, gala participants can enjoy dining and dancing. Becca Schafer Events is handling the dinner, while the Bill Smallwood Orchestra will be providing music.
So, yes, there will be dancing.
There also will be cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.
“We’ll also have a live and silent auction,” Woerner said.
Some of the things up for bid include signed items and memorabilia from country music legend Dwight Yoakam.
Woerner said CASA for the Highland Lakes Area also is looking for corporate and individual sponsors to support the gala. Email kathryn@highlandlakescasa.com for more information.
For those who are interested in directly helping the youth served by CASA, Woerner is holding a volunteer training course in March. Call her at (325) 388-3440.
daniel@thepicayune.com