Everyone is invited to safely join a benefit celebration of 35 years of CASA of Johnson & Wyandotte Counties’ volunteers making a difference in the lives of thousands of abused and neglected children. The virtual Hops & Barley Ball: Cheers to 35 Years will be streamed beginning at 7:15 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, and can be viewed on an ongoing basis.
In addition, an online auction is running now through Oct. 7. The free event will be available on CASA of Johnson & Wyandotte Counties’ Facebook page, facebook.com/casajwc; on YouTube at youtube.com/casajwc; and on the event page, which can be reached through the nonprofit’s website, casajwc.org.
Originally founded as an NCJW program, this year the nonprofit will help 525 children navigate the court and foster care system — the most in its history. Hops & Barley Ball participants will hear inspiring stories about CASA’s (Court Appointed Special Advocates) impact, enjoy music from Flashback and be encouraged to record and post themselves at home toasting CASA’s anniversary.
There is no cost to attend but donations are welcomed to support CASA’s mission of giving a powerful voice to the powerless by advocating for the best interests of children removed from their homes for their safety. Cerner has generously offered to match all donations made on the night of the event up to $5,000. Performance Contracting Group is the event’s presenting sponsor.
The online auction features highly prized items. Autographed Chiefs memorabilia including a limited-edition Arrowhead Stadium seat back signed by Travis Kelce and a jersey signed by rookie phenom Clyde Edwards-Helaire will appeal to football fans. HGTV fans will be excited for an opportunity to bid on a one-room E-Design from Tamara Day, star of “Bargain Mansions,” including a 20-minute initial design consultation phone call. Some of the other auction items include a Golf Stable package complete with a lesson, fitness evaluation and custom designed Foot Joy golf shoes, a Boulevard Brewing Co. Brewers’ Tap Room party for 35 and a hand-painted pet portrait on canvas. Along with the auction, there’s a raffle for a Nintendo Switch Lite with 12-month membership and $100 in Nintendo E-Shop gift cards.
The auction and direct donations will support the important work performed by CASA and its volunteers.
CASA volunteers, with the ongoing support of professional staff, work to provide critical information to judges, helping them make the best possible decisions regarding where children under court protection should live and what medical, therapeutic and educational services they need. A CASA volunteer often is the one consistent person in their lives. Children with a CASA volunteer are far less likely to be re-abused and far more likely to find a safe permanent home.
Sadly, there are only enough volunteers to serve less than half of the kids under court protection. CASA of Johnson & Wyandotte Counties’ goal this year is for 525 abused/neglected children to have volunteers by their sides as they navigate the child welfare and court system. More volunteers are desperately needed.
While each case is different, a CASA volunteer usually spends about 10 very flexible hours a month meeting with the child, speaking with others involved and attending meetings or court hearings. There is no need for any special skills or education to be a CASA — just a heart for helping children, a background check and training. Currently, training and activities can be completed virtually.
The Hops & Barley Ball is an important resource for funds to train and provide ongoing support for volunteers.
In addition to Presenting Sponsor Performance Contracting Group, lead sponsors include UMB Financial Corporation, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City, Lockton Companies, Smith & Loveless and Cerner. Additional corporate sponsors include Garmin International, EnerSys, Karen and Dave Bray, J.S. Robinson Fine Homes, and Precision Printing.
For more information about attending the Hops & Barley Ball or volunteering, visit www.casajwc.org or call CASA of Johnson & Wyandotte Counties at 913-715-4040.