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A Publication of WTVP

Can you imagine the agony of being an abused or neglected child, thrown into the court system, with no way to speak up for yourself? Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) gives these children a voice. Its volunteers help the court system serve the best interests of the child—and no one else. But without the dollars to support the training of volunteers, the organization simply would not exist. CASA receives no federal or state funds, so public support is paramount.

CASA of Peoria Country’s primary fundraising event is a fun-filled evening featuring six local celebrities dancing with dance specialists from Body Fitness and The Tap Shack. Local celebrity judges rate the dancers and include audience vote participation. The event also features a silent auction, hors d‘oeuvres and live music.

SAVE THE DATE!
Saturday, November 6th
6:00pm, Par-A-Dice Hotel Ballroom
(309) 669-2939
casapeoria.org

QUICK FACTS

  • The number of children moving through the abuse and neglect courtroom in Peoria County is the third-highest statewide. CASA has a waiting list of volunteers ready to advocate for these children, but lacks the funding to support their efforts.
  • The average monthly cost for a child placed outside the family home is $5,488. CASA involvement reduces the time a child spends in foster care by an average of eight months—saving taxpayers an average of $43,911 per child.
  • The cost to advocate for a child for a year is $1,200. You have the opportunity to make a difference in a child’s life today!

“Last year, I had the pleasure of participating as a ‘celebrity dancer’ at CASAblanca,” says event co-chair Gina Morss-Fischer. “I loved the opportunity to learn the tango and salsa. Even though it was a little nerve-wracking, my partner from Body Fitness, Hassan Wehbe, and I had a blast!”

Funds raised at CASAblanca will be used to support its volunteers and expand its advocacy for local children. By using trained community volunteers, CASA provides an innovative, cost-effective solution to an urgent crisis in the juvenile justice and foster care system.

So step on out to the Par-A-Dice on November 6th. “As time goes by throughout the evening, you might feel a little like Bogart and Bacall, or maybe you’ll just feel like dancing,” says Morss-Fischer. “Either way, we’re confident you won’t want to miss this very special night.” a&s

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