This evening part of the Loews Hotel in Annapolis will be transformed into Casablanca, complete with elegant Moroccan libations, fare and entertainment. There will undoubtedly be dresses and gowns of all kinds, gentleman dressed in tuxedos and music to set the tone for the enchanting evening ahead.
The occasion? “An Evening in CASAblanca,” the annual charitable fundraiser to benefit Anne Arundel County CASA. After sitting down and chatting with the Executive Director of Anne Arundel County CASA, Rebecca Tingle, it becomes immediately apparent that this program is doing incredibly important work for children in this area. The event tonight represents their biggest fundraiser of the year, and promises to be a memorable evening for attendees.
CASA, which stands for “court appointed special advocates” was started in 1977 by a juvenile judge in Seattle who was hearing cases of abuse and neglect but felt he did not have enough information from the attorneys to make an informed decision. He came up with the idea of training lay people from the community to advocate for the children. The concept has been incredibly successful and now has 955 programs throughout the country. Last year, Anne Arundel County CASA served 96 of 112 children in foster care. The number of children the organization can take on greatly depends on funding, so tonight’s event plays an instrumental role in the coming year’s work.
Rebecca explains, “Our mission is to advocate for and support children who have been abused and neglected, and enter the foster care system through no fault of their own. CASA trains volunteers, which are called CASA’s to advocate on behalf of these children.” I learn that some of the children have remained in touch with their CASA’s long after they have left the system, which really speaks to the value of the organization.
This year marks the fifth year of the event, which will start at 7 p.m. The event begins with cocktail hour followed by a dance performance by children from the Maryland Performing Arts Center. Three awards will be presented throughout the evening, which will be followed by Moroccan cuisine, silent auctions and a “Moroccan auction.”
If you are interested in attending the event this evening, tickets are available for $150 per person ($45 of each ticket is tax deductible). The event is black-tie optional, and promises to be a lovely event. If you are looking for something to do this evening, why not spend a night in CASAblanca?
For more information visit the Anne Arundel County CASA website
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