By Jim Muir
Featuring a play on words that is tied to one of the great movie classics of all time this year’s annual CASA of Franklin County gala is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
CASAblanca will be presented Friday, April, 26 at the Benton Civic Center. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. with the dinner/show starting at 6 p.m.
Mariah Hayes, executive director of CASA of Franklin County, said this year’s event will be a lively affair.
“This year, the organizers of the annual CASA gala, CASAblanca, are thrilled to be featuring exciting new entertainment acts who will all be performing classic dances such as the waltz, tango, and swing with a flare that can only be compared to Dancing With the Stars,” said Hayes. “All of our dancers have been trained by a dancing professional and they will be evaluated by our local ‘celebrity’ panel of judges.”
While this year’s entertainment has been ‘spiced-up’ the focus of the event will remain the same, said T. Aira Wilson, co-chair of the annual fundraiser.
“CASA’s financial goal is to be able to continue to train new advocates, so that we can serve more of the population of abused and neglected children that come into the court system,” said Wilson. “CASA is a non-for-profit organization that relies on the support of our community through fundraisers to be able to achieve this goal. CASABlanca is our biggest fundraiser of the year.”
Hayes said CASA of Franklin County’s purpose is to provide abused and neglected children in the court system with a voice — that voice being their CASA advocate.
“CASA feels that children often get lost in the court system,” Hayes said. “The CASA advocates job is to ensure that the best decisions are made on behalf of the child and that permanent placement be found. CASA’s mission states: “The National CASA Association, together with its state and local members, supports and promotes court-promoted volunteer advocacy for abused and neglected children so that they can thrive in safe, permanent homes”
Wilson said the new theme should provide a great evening of fun and entertainment.
“We’re very excited to present a new theme for the annual gala,” Wilson said. “The organizers of this year’s event loved the “play on words” with the CASAblanca theme and, let’s face it, who is not enamored by the drama and romance of the 1940’s classic film?”
This year CASABlanca will feature a dinner of seasoned pork loin, baked potatoes, a vegetable and salad. Entertainment will be provided by five couples competing in a “Dancing with the Stars” type of event, followed by a light jazz band that will play afterwards. There will be a silent auction and raffle (most of these items are donated and are undetermined). In the past the Raffle and Silent Auction have included: flat screen television, Kindle Fire, Vacation package, college credits, diamond jewelry, etc.
Ticket prices this year are $30. Alcohol will be offered. Organizers are expecting a crowd of 450 to attend.
Dancers for CASAblanca include:
1.) Mr. & Mrs. Aaron Hopkin’s
(Aaron Hopkins is a local attorney and GAL (Guardian Ad Litem))
2.) JT Wilkey & Liz Greenwood
(JT Wilkey is a local entrepreneur)
3.) David & Emily Seaton
(David is a youth pastor at Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton)
4.) Lyman & Jane Benns
(Jane is an advocate for CASA)
5.) Art & MaryAnn Brandon
(Art is a retired teacher in Southern Illinois)
Anybody needing more information about the April 26 event or wanting to purchase tickets can call 618.438.0608 Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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