FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 13, 2024
Media Contact:
Mia Humphreys
mia@4e3e7b3687.nxcli.io
239.297.6592
Martinsburg, WV – On Saturday, September 7, 2024, Court Appointed Special Advocates of the Eastern Panhandle (CASA-EP) held its second annual Garden Gala, a fundraiser to benefit the community’s most vulnerable children and youth.
The event, including generous annual sponsorships of area businesses, raised over $160,000, which will be used to support CASA-EP’s youth-serving initiatives, including education advocacy, life and work-skills development, and scholarship programs. These programs, such as Fostering Futures, are vital to the success and well-being of at-risk youth aged 13 and over who face unique and significant challenges, including homelessness and unemployment, once they age out of the foster care system.
“We are thrilled by the generosity of our community to support CASA-EP’s efforts to help these children overcome hardship, adversity, and challenges so that they can have the best chances at life,” says Michelle Sudduth, Executive Director of CASA-EP. “I am humbled by the time and support from our volunteers, donors, committee members, and everyone who came to the gala to donate and learn more about the impact CASA-EP has on children in foster care.”
This year’s theme, An Evening in Appalachia, took place at Rose Hill Farm in Shenandoah Junction, West Virginia, and featured local musical artists from the BlackCat Music Cooperative, including The Young Yukes and Laz Rapidaz. Guests also experienced a roving dinner that showcased Appalachian-style cuisine from Shepherdstown, West Virginia-based Alma Bea.
G.T. Schramm, CASA-EP’s board president, kicked off the evening with opening remarks, in which he reminded guests about the importance of CASA-EP and how vital community support is to the organization. “CASA supports the most vulnerable in our community, and we’d love nothing more than to care for the thousands of children in our local foster care system,” shared Schramm. “But we need your gifts, time, money, and support to do that.” He also took the time to thank the gala committee, including Karen Luttrell (co-chair), Kakie McMillan (co-chair), Kerry Asam, Nicole Bonner, Kara Gibson, Mary Jane Heffle, Karen Hensell, Jessica Jacot, Jenna Kesecker, and Joy Lewis.
The event also featured a live auction, led by renowned auctioneer Marty Kable, that raised over $50,000. Thanks to generous donors, gala attendees had the opportunity to bid on unique experiences, including luxury vacation getaways, bourbon and wine tastings, boat excursions, and more. A full list of donors and auction items can be found at casaep.org/gala.
Last year’s inaugural gala event helped to launch the CASA-EP Scholarship Program, created in honor of the organization’s 20th anniversary. This program is already making a difference, with the first recipient now attending Marshall University. The scholarship goes beyond financial aid by offering recipients the guidance of an education coach who supports them throughout their college or technical school experience, ensuring they have the mentorship and resources needed to succeed.
To learn more about CASA-EP, please visit www.mycasaep.org.
###
About CASA-EP
CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate. These volunteers are appointed by judges to advocate on behalf of children who have come to the attention of the court system due to abuse or neglect. Additional programs support family reunification efforts and help youth aging out of the foster care system prepare for young adulthood. For more information about becoming a CASA-EP volunteer or benefactor, visit www.mycasaep.org.
