CASA of Marion County held its first in-person fundraiser on Saturday, May 14, raising more than $50,000.
The event, Light of Hope, was emceed by Marion County District Attorney Paige Clarkson. Executive Director Shaney Starr acknowledged sponsors, CASA staff and advocates in attendance.
CASA—Court Appointed Special Advocates—provides children in need with trained volunteer advocates to ensure they are safe, have a permanent home and the opportunity to thrive.
CASA recruits volunteers from the community, trains them so they have the skills and knowledge necessary to advocate for an abused child, and professionally supports them. CASA of Marion County is the only agency providing volunteer advocacy to abused and neglected children who are living in foster care.
The keynote speaker of the evening was author Stephanie Land, whose book, Maid, is a best seller that was adapted for a popular Netflix series.
Land presented a mother’s look inside poverty in America and her struggle as single mother, attending college and navigating her way through services for her and her child. At the end of her speech, she answered questions from the audience.