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CASA NEWS
11/06/2012- CASA of Union County Hosts Annual Beefsteak Fundraiser.
Dominic raised $1200 by singing "Still of Night" for the crowd.
CASA’s annual 1950s Classic Beefsteak event was both a riot of a night and an effective fundraiser! Attendees enjoyed all-you-can-eat beefsteak, live music from The Cameos and several raffle drawings. Community members bought 125 admission tickets and local businesses contributed sponsorship and in-kind donations, helping to raise funds that enable CASA of Union County to expand its capacity to help even more local children in foster care. Thank you to our donors and our sponsors, PSE&G, Investor's Bank, and Abel Leasing Company for making this a successful evening!
10/26/2012- CASA of Union County Hosts "Batter Up" Softball Event.
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This Year's Batter Up Group
This year’s “Batter Up For Charity” fundraiser on Oct. 27 was greeted with unusually warm weather, bright sunny skies and plenty of enthusiasm — and was a complete success! CASA staff were busy registering players and teams, collecting cash, assisting players with questions, food, and a host of other things. Executive Director Dominic Prophete was doing what we insiders call “The Annual Running of the E.D.” He spent the day running from field to field checking on players to be sure they were having a good time, answering questions about the program, and assisting umpires and coaches on the play schedule. He presented trophies to the exhausted but elated winners at day's end.
06/28/2012- CASA of Union County Swears In 13 New CASA Volunteers
 The Newest Team of CASA Volunteers.
On June 28th, CASA of Union County swore-in 13 new CASA volunteers! Our newest CASAs live and work throughout Union County and are anxious to get to work on behalf of children in care throughout their community.
The training of Team 18 marks the end of our fiscal year. We are proud to announce that in the past 12 months, we've trained 41 new CASAs, just over our recruitment goal for the year!
06/27/2012- Aging-Out Conference
CASA information table, manned by supervisor Joanne Bennett (left) and volunteer Susan Levy (right)
On June 27th, CASA of Union County partnered with DYFS, the Union County courts, and several other organizations to hold its annual Aging-Out concerence.
The goal of the conference is to provide as much information to the attending youth regarding their entitlements and rights as well as providing them with a link to community resources within Union County as they begin their transition out of foster care. The event was attended by over 50 adolescents. Attendees heard talks from former foster children and participated in "break-out" sessions where they discussed their educationl and vocational goals.
All attendees received gift bags donated by Investors Bank and participated in raffles for gifts donated by Target and Sysnet Solutions.
06/24/2012- Turning Point
CASA staff at the Downtown Westfield Restaurant
On June 24th, Turning Point, a local Restaurant located in Downtown Westfield, raised money for CASA during their weekly Sunday brunch. Diners received a gift certificate for 2 free entrees for donating $20 to CASA of Union County. For donating $40 to CASA, diners received a certificate for 4 free entrees.
The event was a huge success, raising over $2000 in a single afternoon!
05/07/2012- Union County Superior Court Recognizes CASA Volunteers for 5 Years of Service
From the left: Honorable Judge Kathryn A. Dupuis, Board Member Sue Bara, Executive Director Dominic Prophete, Board Member Ometa Pope, CASA Volunteer Jane Kelly, and Senior Advocate Supervisor Joanne Bennett.
On May 7, The Superior Court of Union County Recognized 9 Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Volunteers and CASA Board Members for their five years of service to foster children in Union County.
In her remarks, Judge Karen M. Cassidy stated, "as our judicial system faces challenging times, and as our budgets are shrinking, we are expected to do more (or at least the same) with less. It is during times like these that the time put in by our volunteers is even more valuable."
Read more here.
03/27/2012 - Caribbean-Themed Gala A Rousing Success
From left to right: CASA Executive Director Dominic Prophete, Board President Christopher Kavanagh, Event Chairs Carol Rickert, Alison Bell, Suzanne Vedder, and Karen Fuller
On Saturday, March 24th, The Junior Woman's Club of Westfield held their annual gala at the Westwood in Garwood, NJ. Proceeds benefited CASA of Union County.
CASA Board of Trustees President Chris Kavanagh called the Club's efforts on CASA's behalf, heroic and inspiring. "There's no doubt that we live in a community that rallies together to support its own," Kavanagh said.
02/15/2012 - CASA of Union County Trains 17th Volunteer Class
Volunteer Michele McCaffrey at her swearing in.
Last week, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Union County began training its 17th class of volunteer advocates.
Explaining her desire to volunteer, Rutgers Graduate Student Michele McCaffrey explains, “I got involved with CASA because it was an opportunity to take volunteering to the next level. It’s not just being there for a child who needs you. It’s about actively speaking up for them and looking out for their best interests."
Read more here.
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