Child Advocates Raises Record Funds for Children and Families in Crisis in Montgomery County at 2024 CASA Speaks for Kids Gala: The Sky’s the Limit
THE WOODLANDS, Texas (April 30, 2024) – Child Advocates of Montgomery County held its 29th annual spring fundraising event on Saturday, March 2, 2024. Dressed in the colors of the sky, more than 500 guests gathered at the Margaritaville Lake Resort on Lake Conroe for an immersive experience. Presented by Huntsman Corporation, the annual gala benefits children and families served by Child Advocates of Montgomery County.
This year’s theme, The Sky’s the Limit, emphasized the support provided by the nonprofit when children are weathering the storm of trauma and abuse.
“We can’t stop the storms that traumatized children are in, but we can ensure we provide an umbrella, a volunteer Advocate by their side, to stand with them, and see them through to the other side of the storm where their rainbow is waiting,” Child Advocates President and CEO Ann Marie Ronsman said. “Every single dollar we raise will ensure that we can continue to be a shelter in the storm for the most vulnerable children in our community and provide the brighter days and blue skies that every child deserves.”
The highlight of the evening was the featured family and Advocate presentation, which spotlighted volunteer Advocate, Kathleen Baldwin, and siblings, Austin and Faith, for whom she advocated during their time in foster care.
This year’s gala featured immersive experiences designed to highlight hope beyond the trauma of abuse, by transporting guests through a storm to the parting clouds of a bright sky, highlighted by a rainbow. The event used lighting, video, and sounds to create the effects of the storm. Sponsored by ProDirectional, LED wristbands were used throughout the evening to enhance the guests’ experience. Following Ronsman’s speech, the entire room transformed into a symbol of hope as guests’ wristbands lit up with the hues of the rainbow.
The event also showcased a variety of games, including the Golden Ticket game and a raffle for a stunning jewelry set of diamond stud earrings and a white gold necklace with brilliant diamonds, courtesy of Thomas Markle Jewelers. Auctioneer Dustin Wood, from Johnny Bravo Entertainment, and Child Advocates Development Director Lindsay Miller served as the evening’s Masters of Ceremonies with support from Child Advocates Board Chair Mark Freeman and Ronsman. This year’s event included an after-party, featuring Los Angeles-based DJ, Tim Lacatena; and an after-after party with music by Jerry Howell and Jimmie Hunter.
Miller and the committee worked for nearly a year to organize the magical evening. Miller said this year’s gala was crucial as Child Advocates expands its advocacy to also include children involved in the juvenile justice and truancy systems.
“Our volunteers are shining stars,” Miller said. “There is no limit to the energy and compassion they bring to create an event that ensures we can continue to make a difference in the lives of children in our community through advocacy and community education.”
Proceeds raised at the gala benefit Child Advocates of Montgomery County. In 2023, Child Advocates served 454 children with 275 volunteer Advocates—100 percent of children in foster care in Montgomery County.
The event’s featured sponsors included Presenting Sponsor-Huntsman Corporation; Visionary Sponsors-The Conlon Family & Friends, EnerCorp, Rich and Annette Haut, and the MJ Foundation; VIP Pre-Party Sponsor-Chicago Title; After-Party Sponsor-Waste Connections; After-After Party Sponsor-The Rock Jensen Foundation; Friday Night Welcome Reception Sponsor-Subsema; Printing and Signage Sponsor Bayside Printing; and many more!
To learn more about Child Advocates of Montgomery County or how to become a volunteer, visit the website at www.CASASpeaks4Kids.com or call (936) 441-5437.
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