WILKES-BARRE — CASA of Wyoming Valley will host its annual fundraiser at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20 at the Westmoreland Club Grand Hall. CASA of Luzerne County has recently expanded to serve both Luzerne and Wyoming counties and with this expansion, changed its branding to CASA of Wyoming Valley. This fundraiser is a celebration of growth, and change and the commitment of these communities to improve the lives of their most vulnerable citizens.
The organization is bestowing special honors to Geisinger Health System and McCarthy Tire Service for their steadfast support of the organization. Both of these entities have supported CASA through the years by giving their time, treasure, and talent. The impact of CASA advocates on the children served could not be realized without the support of community-minded businesses and organizations.
CASA of Luzerne County has provided a voice for nearly 350 children in the Luzerne County dependency court system over eleven years through the hard work and dedication of the volunteer advocates. The expansion into Wyoming County will allow the organization to reach additional children who are in need of a voice but did not have this opportunity.
“There continues to be a great need for whole child advocacy for the children who find themselves in the dependency court system due to no fault of their own,” said CASA’s Executive Director Mary Kay Pivovarnik. “Our advocates see these children as more than what has happened to them, but rather as who they areas children. The consistency and care these advocates provide to these children truly move mountains.
“I am often in awe by what they accomplish and there are so many days I say to myself, ‘If not for CASA, where would that child be?’ We are eager to begin to advocate in Wyoming County where the community has truly wrapped its arms around our mission. There are currently over 500 children between both counties in need of an advocate.”
While this has always been a premier event, this year’s guests will be transported to the sights, sounds and tastes of a carnival in the 1920s. The Grand Hall will be transformed into the Midway, where guests will encounter carnival performers and have the opportunity to feel like a kid again while they play carnival games and snack on tasty treats. The event was co-chaired by Susan Collini and Derek Peters.
To learn more about the CASA Cocktail Carnival, purchase tickets or get more information on becoming an advocate, visit luzernecasa.org.
CASA of Luzerne County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
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