On August 29, 2026, the fields of Wild Goose Farm were transformed into something truly magical. The CASA of the Eastern Panhandle Garden Gala brought together supporters, advocates, community leaders, and friends for an evening that none of us will soon forget.
Under string lights and open skies, our community came together around a shared belief: that every child in the Eastern Panhandle deserves a voice, a champion, and a chance at a stable future. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of everyone who attended, bid, donated, and cheered us on, the 2026 Garden Gala raised over $210,000 for children in Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan counties. That number represents lives changed, children supported, and a community that continues to show up in the most meaningful ways. To every person who was part of this evening, whether you purchased a ticket, raised a paddle, or simply spread the word, thank you. This was your night as much as it was ours.
The Team That Brought It to Life
An evening like this does not happen without the dedicated vendors and partners who poured their talent and energy into every detail.
Wild Goose Farm provided a breathtaking backdrop that perfectly captured our Midnight in the Garden theme, setting the tone from the moment guests arrived. Bistro 112 delivered a delicious dining experience from start to finish, and we are still dreaming about those desserts. Jefferson Rentals LLC provided the equipment that kept everyone comfortable throughout the evening. Our emcee Hans Fogle and auctioneer Marty Kable kept the energy and excitement high all night long. SC Studios, represented by Moises, Ryan, and Jonathan, handled photography, videography, and event coordination, making sure every moment was captured and the evening ran seamlessly. And of course, the incredible BlackCat Music Cooperative provided the soundtrack for a truly memorable night.
We also want to recognize the individuals who made our program so meaningful. Lewis Mullenax and Jason Piper shared the story of how they provided their son Joey with something every child deserves: a loving home. Their words moved the entire room. Thank you as well to Moises of SC Studios for offering such powerful commentary on the importance of CASA’s work, and to Sara Gordon and Ralynn Laspina for getting on stage and pouring their hearts out in front of our guests. You were all extraordinary.
Finally, a heartfelt thank you to all of our CASA staff, board members, volunteers, mentors, and community partners who showed up and made the evening what it was. We could not do any of this without you.
Thank You to Our Gala Committee
Events of this scale do not come together overnight. Behind every beautiful centerpiece, every seamless transition, and every perfectly timed moment was a dedicated Gala Committee that gave countless hours to planning, coordinating, and executing this evening with excellence.
To each member of our 2026 Gala Committee: your work made this possible. You showed up for our youth long before the first guest arrived, and your commitment to this mission is something we do not take for granted. CASA-EP is deeply grateful for your time, your talent, and your heart. Thank you to the amazing 2026 Garden Gala Committee members:
Karen Luttrell (co-chair)
Kakie McMillan (co-chair)
Kerry Asam
Nicole Bonner
Kara Gibson
Mary Jane Heffle
Karen Hensell
Candi Hurst
Jenna Kesecker
Joy Lewis
Our In-Kind and Auction Donors
The auction was one of the highlights of the evening, and it would not have been possible without the extraordinary generosity of our in-kind and auction donors. These individuals and businesses gave so that others could give to the children we serve. That kind of community spirit is what makes the Eastern Panhandle so special.
A heartfelt thank you to Wild Goose Farm, The Rustic Rail, Jefferson Distributing, West Virjeni, The Bavarian Inn, John and Kate Loeffler, Michael and Kathy Santa Barbara, Eric and Joy Lewis, Alma Bea, Scott and Michelle Sudduth, Jeff Buettner and Anne Gregg, United Bank, The Inn at Little Washington, Nicole Bonner, Chris and Karen Luttrell, Patty Bain Bachner and John Bachner, and Varsity Travel.
Your generosity filled the room with beautiful experiences, meaningful items, and opportunities for guests to give in a way that felt exciting and personal. We are so grateful for each of you.
A Night That Reminded Us Why We Do This Work
More than the funds raised, more than the music and the flowers and the beautiful setting, what made the 2026 Garden Gala truly special was the spirit in the room. You could feel it from the moment guests arrived. This was a community gathering around something that matters.
One of the most powerful moments of the evening came when we had the privilege of sharing the heartwarming story of the Mullenax-Piper family. Hearing firsthand the difference that dedicated adults made in the life of a child was a powerful reminder of why this work exists and why it must continue. There was not a dry eye in the room! These stories are real. These children are real. And the need is real.
Because as beautiful as the evening was, as grateful as we are for what was raised, the truth is there is still so much work to be done. There are still children in our community waiting for an advocate, there are still families navigating an overwhelming system without consistent support, and there are still stories that have not yet found their ending.
The 2026 Garden Gala reminded us that this community is more than capable of rising to meet that need. And we will keep showing up until every child has someone in their corner.
To learn more about how you can support CASA-EP’s mission through volunteering, donating, or sponsorship, visit mycasaep.org.
