Martinsburg, W.Va. – In a heartwarming celebration, Court Appointed Special Advocates of the Eastern Panhandle (CASA-EP) worked to bring cheer to more than 175 children during their annual year-end event, the 2023 Wrap and Rave Holiday Party. The festive occasion was held in honor of the dedication of over 60 current CASA-EP volunteers who play a vital role in supporting over 400 children who have experienced abuse or neglect.
“At a time when our community faces unprecedented challenges, the Wrap and Rave event showcases the grace and unwavering spirit of giving of CASA-EP volunteers, staff members, and the organization’s generous group of community supporters,” said Michelle Sudduth, CASA-EP’s executive director.
The gift drive was made possible by the Eastern Panhandle Bar Charitable Foundation who provide not only the funds but shoppers from the legal community who take a child’s wish list, check it twice, and ensure all children CASA-EP serves receive gifts for Christmas.
A highlight of the event is the naming of the 2023 Val Smith Volunteer of the Year award. This year’s recipient was Rosa Clark who was recognized for her steadfast commitment and tireless efforts to CASA-EP as a board member as well as a volunteer child advocate. Her journey, spanning decades of dedicated service as an educator, showcases her heartfelt dedication to fostering hope, resilience, and a brighter future for the thousands of children whose lives she’s touched. In addition to her board leadership and child advocacy contributions at CASA-EP, Rosa spearheaded the creation of the organization’s Fostering Futures program tailored to address the unique challenges faced by teens on track to “age out” of the foster care system without ever finding home-life permanency.
“Rosa embodies a rare combination of caring and service, offering a calm, sincere, and dependable presence that resonates profoundly with the children and youth she interacts with,” said Sudduth. “Through her efforts, Rosa has instilled trust, respect, and positive change in the lives of countless children and families CASA-EP serves.”
The Wrap and Rave event was generously sponsored by Argos Martinsburg, demonstrating for a second year its commitment to vulnerable children in the Eastern Panhandle community. Not only did they make this Wrap and Rave event possible, but the company and their employees alike have contributed over $10,000 in the past year to benefit programs like Fostering Futures and support events such as the Superhero Challenge and CASA-EP’s 20th Anniversary celebration.
These funds are instrumental in driving CASA-EP’s growth and core-mission programming in order to serve the hundreds more vulnerable children and youth in our community who can benefit from court appointed child advocacy.
—
CASA-EP recruits, trains, and supports dedicated volunteers to be the constant in a child’s life – a person they can count on for compassion, guidance, advocacy, and information. This unique relationship helps expand the child’s world view through enriching experiences and trauma-responsive support. CASA-EP’s volunteers and professional staff fuel the resiliency and hope every child needs to thrive in adulthood.
To find more information about CASA-EP or becoming a volunteer, visit our website at www.mycasaep.org
