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A CHILD'S VOICE
 


May 2014
20th anniversary cake 5-10-14
In celebration of CASA Lake County's 20th anniversary, Board President Bob Silverstein, CASABLANCA Event Chair Mary Szela, Executive Director Terri Zenner Greenberg and Steve Pemberton, the Terri Zenner Award Recipient, blow out candles on a two tiered Eli's cheesecake.

CASA LAKE COUNTY'S CASABLANCA  2014 GALA AT RAVINIA BROUGHT TOGETHER HEARTS AND GENEROUS SUPPORT FOR ABUSED AND NEGLECTED CHILDREN IN LAKE COUNTY


Vernon Hills - CASA Lake County's CASABLANCA 2014, which commemorated the program's 20th anniversary advocating for abused and neglected children in Lake County, attracted nearly 300 guests at Ravinia on May 10th. Nearly $325,000 was raised on an evening filled with magical surprises.

 

The evening began with a robust silent auction and was followed by a riveting live auction- where auctioneer David Goodman maximized bids for priceless experiences -- from a week in a Tuscan estate with a private chef to VIP access to Fashion Week in New York.

 

Steve Pemberton meets CASA child Juliette and they share their stories
Walgreens Chief Diversity Officer Steve Pemberton, a former foster child who was abused after losing his parents, shared his gut-wrenching story about finding safety and resilience through books given to him by an unsuspecting neighbor. You could hear a pin drop after his remarks. Pemberton, author of A Chance in the World, was the recipient of the 2014 Terri Zenner Award, for outstanding service to children in our community.

 

Following the award presentation, CASA's Board Chairman Bob Silverstein recognized Jacquelyn Kopp, CASABLANCA's first gala chair in 2004. Closing the program was Lilly Grayce, a 17-year-old singer from Lake Forest who wrote a song called  "Chance," about a little boy who came to live with Lilly's family while his natural mother was going through hard times.  His mother and siblings still remain close to Lilly's family -- the McAveeneys in Lake Forest. 

 

Dancing went late into the night concluding one of CASA Lake County's most successful fundraising events.

WGN AM's Bob Sirott and Marianne Murciano hosted the event often ad libbing about the challenges of raising their own three children.
Terri embraces Jackie Kopp, the first CASABLANA Gala Chair held in  2004, who was presented with a recognition plaque.
Gala Chair Mary T. Szela (r) with Steve and Tonya Pemberton
CASA guests really got the party started after 11:00 p.m. when all the business of fundraising was over! Thanks to Mrs. International and CASA Advocate Amy Gregorio for encouraging bids!
Seventeen year old Lilly Grayce sings a song she wrote for a little boy named Chance.

Girlfriends Lesley Goodman (l)Staci Seed, Jenna Gershman,Tonya Pemberton and Karie Smith

Dancing the night away
Clockwise: CASA Board Member Angela Johnson with husband Paul, Board Member and CASA Advocate Noga Villalon with friend Amber Noy, Board Member Anise Wiley-Little and her husband Brian, Board VP Dan Brennan (far right) with his wife Mary and friends Tim and Heather Richmond   
More fabulous photos from CASABLANCA 2014
ONLY THREE WEEKS LEFT UNTIL GOLF FOR A CHILD INVITATIONAL -MONDAY, JUNE 16 AT KEMPER LAKES!

Now that it is 80 degrees - it is time to sign up your foursome for a fabulous day at Kemper Lakes -- all to benefit abused and neglected children!  We are delighted to report that CASA Board Member Jim/Norm Lillis is back by popular demand to host an exclusive golf outing on Monday, July 7. CDW has been a steadfast and loyal supporter of CASA for many years -- and we simply could not have reached our 20th year milestone without them. Thanks to all CDW friends (and Norm fans) for coming out again this year... 

For the June 16 event, CASA Lake County is accepting sponsorship applications and foursomes for a beautiful day on the links. As Miff Ardell (husband of CASA Extraordinaire Susan Ardell) said last summer -- "It is not only a great day of golf, it is a great way to serve the children who need us the most."

Simply go on casalakecounty.com/casagolf
to support CASA. 

THE MAY 2014  CLASS IS SWORN IN BY JUDGE CECKOWSKI

Congratulations to our new CASA class of volunteers sworn in last week by Judge Ceckowski. You are about to make a profound difference in a child's life! Thank you.

Interested in learning more about what a CASA volunteer does or want to sign up?  http://www.casalakecounty.com/volunteer
 
Back Row (L -- R): Lisa Lissner (Highland Park), Michael Knight (Libertyville), Erin Heidecke (Hainesville), Michael Melber (Riverwoods), Judge Ceckowski, Lynn Froy (Highland Park), Lindsay DeReadt (Wadsworth), Elaine Collins-Nekarda (Lake Forest).
Front Row (L -- R):Becky Chodes (Highland Park), Lynnae Wolin (Highland Park), Susan Patton (Glenview), Mari Christopherson (Lake Forest)

JUNIOR GIRL SCOUTS GIVE BACK TO CHILDREN LESS FORTUNATE

The Bannockburn Elementary Junior Girl Scouts are entering the 6th grade next year and becoming Cadettes.  During their 6th, 7th and 8th grade years they will work toward earning their Silver award.  Troop 41322 has chosen to work with CASA Lake County as part of their three year journey culminating with several projects resulting in their Silver award in 8th grade.  Their goal is to have a complete understanding of the organization and enhance the lives of the children at CASA.
CASA LAKE COUNTY IS AMS CHARITY OF THE MONTH 

This month, CASA Lake County is Auction Merchandise Source's Charity of the Month. This is the place to find unique and priceless merchandise from signed footballs and basketball jerseys to one of a kind photos and collectables. This month, a portion of every item purchased will go to help CASA and the abused or neglected children of Lake County.  So there's still time to find the perfect item.

Check out their website or stop by their shop at 175 Olde Half Day Road, Suite 330, Lincolnshire, IL 60069 to find the perfect authentic collectable. 
CASA Lake County's Mission
CASA is central to fulfilling society's most fundamental obligation by making sure a qualified, compassionate adult will fight for and protect a child's right to be safe, to be treated with dignity and respect, and to learn and grow in the security of a loving family.
Stay Connected with CASA Lake County
CASA Lake County
700 Forest Edge Drive Vernon Hills, IL 60061
847-383-6260



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Children Today

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You can help can help a child in their time of greatest need.
 Facts you should  
know from 2013 

Active Volunteers = 297

New Volunteers = 60

Children with a CASA = 563

New Cases = 82

New Children = 169

Children in Safe, Permanent Homes = 111 (20%)

 National Research Findings 
  • Children with CASA volunteers spend 7.5 months less in foster care.      
  • 90% of children with CASA volunteers never reenter the child welfare system.     
  • In 2013, CASA volunteers contributed 5.4 million advocacy hours, equivalent to $270 million in taxpayer dollars if compensated for their service.  
  • Total Cost of Indirect Child Abuse and Neglect: 
    $80,260,411,087
     
Join Us For 

Golf for A Child Invitational

Kemper Lakes Golf Club

June 16, 2014
July 7, 2014
An Exclusive CDW Event
  
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