CASA to recognize volunteers at mansion

The public is invited to join with Court Appointed Special Advocates staff in recognizing its 29 volunteers during their annual formal dinner at 6 p.m. Nov. 6 at the Governor's Mansion.

"We just really want to say thank you to these special people," said Chris Bayer, executive director of the organization. "They spend their own time - and they don't get paid - through all the dramas and ongoing struggles that nobody else knows about."

CASA serves abused, neglected and abandoned children.

Advocates provide a child's voice in court to ensure each child can live in a safe, permanent, loving home where they can thrive, according to its Web site.

"We have 29 volunteers on cases right now and they are all dedicated. This is our once-a-year time to recognize them for all that they do, and a chance for people in the community to come out and say thank you," Bayer said.

"We want to emphasize that these people are caring, patient, they write reports, they listen, and they have to interact with multiple agencies."

Children in the CASA program may be there due to parental substance abuse, violence or criminal actions, he said.

"These volunteers stick with their children and their families of children through years sometimes, so that those children don't get lost in the system," Bayer said.

"But there is always hope that they'll return to their families."

The menu for the evening includes sushi boats, marinated tri-tip, rosemary potatoes, fresh vegetables, salad and dessert.