2015 CASA Speaks for Kids Gala – The Platinum Gala
An elegant and resplendent evening awaited guests at the 20th Annual CASA Gala at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott and Convention Center on January 17, 2015. More than 450 guests filled the Waterway Ballroom for this year’s event, presented by TETRA Technologies, Inc. and benefiting CASA Child Advocates of Montgomery County.
The theme for this year’s Gala is “The Platinum Gala: Celebrating the Past, Changing the Future.” CASA Executive Director, Ann McAlpin, explains the theme chosen for the annual fundraiser helps foster a cheerful atmosphere while drawing attention to a very serious cause. “The Gala is, at its core, a magnificent party with a vital purpose, and tonight we look back at the past 20 years of the CASA Gala and what we have accomplished,” McAlpin continues, “But we are also looking ahead to change the future for abused and neglected children in Montgomery County.”
As guests entered the ballroom, their senses were overwhelmed by glittering crystal centerpieces paired with sapphire blue and brilliant silver linens, the soothing sounds of the David Caceras Band, and the alluring aroma of decadent menu selections.
The Gala provided guests with silent and live auction selections for a variety of unique items including the opportunity to work with a custom builder to create a themed children’s playhouse, exclusive tickets to some of the most elite A-List parties (such as spending an evening with Matt Damon at the new Jason Bourne movie release party), a one-of-a-kind, exquisite pendant necklace custom-designed for the CASA Platinum Gala by Donoho’s Jewelers, exciting trips, artwork for the collector, sports memorabilia, and much more.
Long-time CASA supporter and Emmy-winning news anchor, Art Rascon, of ABC 13 News served as Master of Ceremonies, and Ray Burgess returned as the evening’s enthusiastic auctioneer.
Proceeds raised at the Gala benefit CASA Child Advocates of Montgomery County. It costs approximately $1,215 to train and support each Advocate. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) speak up for the best interest of children who have been removed from their parents and are under the Court’s jurisdiction. CASA’s goal is to provide a court-appointed volunteer to serve as Guardian ad Litem for every child in the foster care system, and to break the cycle of abuse. For the past 23 years, CASA has been training volunteers, raising awareness in the community, and working to stop the cycle of child abuse in Montgomery County.
“The work that the Advocates do on a daily basis is just amazing,” McAlpin explains, “They serve as the voice for children whose future is uncertain, and they are making a difference, one child at a time.”
On behalf of abused and neglected children in Montgomery County, CASA Volunteers and Staff, and the 2015 CASA Gala Committee, “Thank You!”