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Greetings!
Once again, it has been a tough year for children. In Texas, we lead the nation in child deaths due to abuse over the past 7 years and almost half of these deaths are in cases where there have been previous investigations for abuse or neglect. Texas is in the bottom three comparing state funding for protection of our children. (Every Child Matters: We Can Do Better National Report).
Collin County is not immune to these sad statistics. In October and November of 2009, 42 children were placed in state custody in Collin County, compared to 13 children in the prior two months. These children are enduring unspeakable abuse at the hands of those that should be protecting them. Thankfully, CASA of Collin County continues to be appointed as guardian ad litem for 100% of child abuse victims removed from unsafe homes.
It is said that societies and individuals are judged by the way they treat their elders and their children. If that is so, than the volunteers, staff, board and supporters of CASA of Collin County shine brightly. I am reminded of the Dr. Seuss book, "Horton Hears a Who" where Horton, an elephant, declares "I've got to protect them... I'm bigger than they!" We are our precious children's chance for rescue - sometimes we are their only chance!
 As 2009 comes to a close, please consider giving generously to CASA of Collin County. Help us step in for children who need us most! Thank you to those who have faithfully supported CASA of Collin County in the past and those who will support us in the future.
May your holiday season be filled with children and their laughter!
Susan Etheridge
Executive Director
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Voice For Children Gala Sponsorships Available
The Voice for Children Gala committee is
currently soliciting corporate and individual sponsorships, as well as live
auction and silent auction items. Those interested in sponsorship level recognition,
pre-Gala patron event invitations and priority seating, may contact Kathy Blank,
Development Director at 972-529-2272.
For a look at sponsorship levels, download our Sponsorship Packet and select one of the levels that are still available. Sponsorships
secured by January 4, 2010 will be included in the Voice for Children Gala
invitation that will be mailed later in January.To make a donation
of live and silent auction items please contact Diane Chester at 214-460-5005 or Laura Stengle at
214-693-6191. Or you may download our Auction Donation Form and fax it to the CASA office at 972-529-2275 or mail it in at the address listed on the form.
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CASA Volunteers Change Lives
Twenty Two new volunteers for CASA of Collin County completed
the 30 hour training class held in October of this year. Thanks to the almost 170 CASA volunteer advocates, we can continue to serve each and every child removed from
an unsafe home in Collin
County. At the conclusion
of the training, the new CASA volunteer advocates are sworn in by District
Court Judge Cynthia Wheless, seated in the center.
Want to share your time and compassion with a child who
truly needs a hero? Become a CASA volunteer in 2010. The next
training class will be held beginning on January 16th. If you'd
like to learn more, please email Dianne McCall, Program Director.
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Voice for Children Gala Kick Off!
Neiman
Marcus Willow Bend and CASA of Collin County hosted a Breakfast and Holiday Fashion
Presentation with special guest Ken Downing, Neiman Marcus
Senior Vice President and Fashion Director benefitting the March 6, 2010 Voice for Children Gala.  Jenni Tran, Gala Chair, and Cheryl Buckles, Gala
Co-Chair, welcomed guests to the breakfast at the Mariposa Restaurant at Neiman
Marcus Willow Bend. Gina Lester, CASA Board Member, Keely Cawly and Connie Rhoades, Voice for Children Gala Committee Members and CASA supporters, visit before the fashion show.  Ken Downing shows off some of the hottest trends in fashion and holiday gift giving at the Neiman Marcus Willow Bend Breakfast and Holiday Fashion Presentation. |
Brightening Holidays for Foster Children
Pam Kidder was Santa's helper for generous donors
from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in McKinney, donating
towards children's wish lists. Pam and other members from her church helped shop, wrap, and deliver presents to CASA, where gifts were then distributed by CASA advocates to the children they serve.
 Stein Mart, McKinney, collected donations from their angel tree and also supports clothing needs throughout the year through the Dignity-U-Wear program. Jana Lauterbach and Jen Stiemke, from Stein Mart, gathers donations to deliver to CASA in front of their store.
So that each holiday wish will be granted for a CASA child this season, Patrick Foster, Kim Pattillo and Della Mayville from Alcatel-Lucent in Plano, helped collect and sort through donations from their toy drive. The items were then delivered to CASA offices.
 Marcey Mettica, CASA volunteer advocate, chooses just the
right gifts for the children she serves.
 From left, Holly Beckerley and Parvathi Sivaraman, CASA
Casework Supervisors and on right, Irene Rodriguez, CASA Administrative
Assistant, help Nancy Slight, from Nan Lee Jewelry bring in donations for our
children.
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Our Mission is to train community volunteers to advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children involved in the court system so that each child is placed into a safe, loving home where he or she can thrive.
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Hooray for Hollywood Voice for Children Gala to benefit CASA of Collin County
Sat., March 6, 2010
Hotel Intercontinental
Addison, TX
CASA
of Collin County appreciates the ongoing support of Presenting Sponsor,
Ewing Autohaus and the many other generous sponsors listed below:Best Picture Presenting Sponsor
Ewing Autohaus
Best Actor Sponsor AnonymousBest Director Sponsor
Capital One
Primrose SchoolsBest Visual EffectsMedical Center of McKinney Medical
Clinic of North Texas UBS, The Kravitz Group Best Musical Score
Fluor
Corporation
Kiwanis Club of McKinney
Medical Center of Plano
Plano Women's Healthcare
Strasburger and Price
Viewpoint Bank
More sponsorship opportunities available!
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Holiday Giving
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It's not too late to help protect vulnerable
children in Collin
County.
Consider a
donation to CASA as a holiday gift in honor or memory of family, friends or
loved ones! Simply choose one of the following ways to give!
Cash or Check
Make your check payable
to CASA of Collin County with postmark dated 12.31.09 or before and we
will credit your donation for 2009.
You can also choose to donate to:
CASA of Collin County Annual Appeal
Help us meet our fundraising goal of $10,000! We are not
there yet! Can you help us reach our goal?
CASA of Collin County Capital Campaign
Purchase a brick for $250 or $1,000 in honor or memory of a
loved one or provide a naming opportunity for our new CASA office by
contacting Kathy Blank at 972-529-2272 ext. 103.
We've
raised 70% of the $1.2 Million needed to fund our new office building that
helps provides much needed space for parent visitation and advocate training.
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Holidays and Child
Safety
During the hustle and
bustle of the holidays, it can be easy to miss some simple precautions that can
keep children safe and make sure the celebrations are joyous ones!
Families
with small children might be visiting relatives that have not childproofed
their homes.
Caring gift givers may not be aware of safety standards for
toys given to young children.
Holiday
decorations can be harmful to your children and pets.
Check out this
informative article by Dr. Vincent Iannellie, M.D. and keep your holidays safe
for all!
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Hear About CASA
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Susan Etheridge, CASA of Collin County Executive Director talks with Kathy Jones of KLUV's Community Corner about CASA services.
Listen to segment now...
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CASA of Collin County Board and Staff wish our volunteers and supporters all the joy and peace that the Holidays can bring.
May 2010 be a most prosperous and healthy one for you and your loved ones!
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