CASA Programs Celebrate Light of Hope
CASA programs around the state will celebrate Light of Hope events in April to draw attention to the needs of abused and neglected children. From dinners to walks, these events are planned to spotlight local programs and raise funds to support their activities.
Court Appointed Special Advocates are trained volunteers who advocate for children who have been removed from their homes because of alleged abuse and neglect and no fault of their own. Nearly 400 volunteers in 15 local CASA programs are advocating for almost 1,000 children in Montana. These volunteers serve as the “eyes and ears” of the judge.
In Flathead County, Judge Ted Lympus will kick off the CASA for Kids event at 7:30 a.m. April 12 at the Hampton Inn. The Kalispell program will honor volunteers and local dignitaries, while a local children’s choir provides entertainment.
In Billings, Yellowstone CASA joins with seven other child prevention organizations to host a celebration of children on Tuesday, April 17 at 5:15 p.m. on the County Courthouse lawn. The groups stand in support of child abuse prevention and light candles of hope for 350 abused and neglected children in foster care in Yellowstone County. A short walk in downtown Billings will be followed with a program of speakers, music and candle lighting. A light supper is provided by Chefs and Cooks of Montana.
A volunteer recognition event is planned for April 12 in Billings. Twentyseven CASA volunteers will be honored for their commitment to their CASA children and the efforts of the local program. Women of Grace United Methodist Church will host the event and provide a light meal. Special entertainment is planned.
Other Billings events include a Garden Party Brunch and Auction at Gainan’s Garden Center on Saturday, April 21 and training of new volunteers begins on April 24. The Bitterroot CASA Light of Hope Dinner and Auction is planned for April 13. Special items to be auctioned include a trip by private plane and a special log archway. Call Julie at 406 961 4535 for more information.
In Dillon, the 5th Judicial Voices for Children program plans a fundraising dinner April 16 with Papa T’s from 5 pm to 8 pm.
Kalispell will host a fundraising dinner at Capers (previously Café Max) at 6:30 p.m. April 23. Tickets are $150 and this event sells out each year, so book your tickets early by calling 406 755 7208. A reception and silent auction will be held at 5:30 p.m. at Marshall Noice Gallery, 127 Main. The reception is open to the public.
The CASA-CAN volunteer recognition celebration takes place on April 19 in Great Falls. The volunteer of the year/ recipient of the Kaye Johnson Memorial Award will be announced at the celebration.
The Helena community gathers Saturday, April 21 for the 6th Annual CASA Walk/Run. The 5K walk and run begins at Yund Park and concludes with games and activities in Women’s Park. For more information, see www.casagal.org.
Eastern Montana CASA/GAL’s 13th Annual Fundraiser is set for 6 p.m. at the Moose Lodge in Colstrip. The event features a Live and Silent Auction as well as Live Music.
Meanwhile, CASA CAN will celebrate the Fiesta de Niños on May 3 at the Heritage Inn in Great Falls. Lamps are distributed to local well-known artists for decorating and a live auction will be conduced on the night of the Fiesta. CASA CAN and the Children’s Receiving Home will collaborate on this fundraiser. Tickets are $30. For more information on local events, call CASA of Montana at 866-863-2272 or visit our website at www.casagal.org.
