CASA

Each year, the local CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) organization here in Brookings has their annual fund raiser called Fire & Ice. CASA is a national program that provides a voice for children who have been removed from their homes. A CASA volunteer is a trained professional that has been appointed by a judge to watch over the well being and safety of these children. They spend substantial amount of time with the child to get to know them and their wishes and they visit with parents, schools, social workers, and any other people/places involved so that they can voice the wishes and best interests of the child in court to help them get through this difficult time and on a healthy path for the future.

The "Ice" stands for a diamond that guests can win and is donated by a local jewelry store. I would imagine that the "Fire" part refers to the passion with wich the CASA volunteers and workers pursue the interests of the children. My husband is both a CASA volunteer and state board member so we enjoy going to this formal event each year and I have watched him dedicate substantial time and energy to just a single situation. Others are relatively "easier resolved".....for a lack of better wording, because any time a child has to be removed from their home, it is not an easy situation.


We had missed last years fundraiser because our son Daniel was in Pierre for DI state competition, but this year the stars lined up and we were able to go. We also brought our oldest daughter along so she can start getting a feel for the "how it is done". It was an eye opener to her and she is already looking forward to going next year.

I had bought some fabric a long time ago and this year made my own gown. That was so much fun that we are already thinking of next year's gowns. :-)