MORGANTOWN — Community members can support Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for Kids and Veterans simultaneously at the Salute to Veterans on Saturday.
Kayla Benson, executive director of CASA, said this year’s Salute to Veterans is the second of the event. The night of food and fun will be at the Elks Lodge No. 411.
“We really like to use it as an opportunity to really honor the veterans in our community while raising awareness of the CASA for Kids program and raising some funds for kids in our community,” she said.
The price of tickets for the Salute to Veterans is $30 for individual tickets and $225 for a table of eight people. The night begins at 6:30 p.m., and a create-your-own pasta bowl dinner will be served at 7 p.m. The night will feature musical entertainment by The Soul Miners. There will also be silent auctions and drawings during the evening.
CASA for Kids began in Monongalia County in 1994. In 1997, it expanded to Preston County. CASA for Kids advocates for children who are abused or neglected and makes sure they are put into safe, permanent homes as soon as possible. CASA for Kids advocates are trained to work with the children and help them through difficult times. Much of the funding for training and other needs of CASA comes from fundraising, as well.
“All of the funds go directly to providing those services to children, and all of the funds stay local, and really a CASA advocate is somebody who advocates for the child and is a voice for the child in the court system,” she said, “so they get to know the child. They get to know the involved parties in the case, and they speak up in court for what the best thing to happen for the child is.”
Benson said the nonprofit is unique because it is the only in the area that offers these types of services for children. Their volunteers are the heart of their program, said Benson.
“There are hundreds of children in our community who are in need of a CASA advocate and don’t have one, so we are always looking for volunteers and anyone who’s interested should definitely reach out to us for more information,” she said.
Benson said CASA for Kids has a great partnership with the Elks and the group is very supportive of CASA. She said their partnership is a good match and something the nonprofit wants to continue.
Benson said CASA is looking to grow in both counties. The more the organization grows, the more children it can help. Benson said she is appreciative of their volunteers for devoting time to making a difference in children’s lives.
“We have really incredible community members volunteering with us. We need a lot more, so anyone who’s interested, come to the event. We’ll talk to you,” she said.
