CASA of the Eastern Panhandle recently hosted its first-ever Community Puzzle Competition, and it was a day filled with connection, competition, and community impact.
Held at Charles Washington Hall, the event welcomed 4 pairs and 6 teams who gathered to test their puzzle-solving skills, all while supporting CASA’s mission to advocate for children who have experienced abuse and neglect.
From the start, the energy in the room was clear. Some participants arrived as seasoned competitors ready to race against the clock, while others came simply to try something new and support a meaningful cause. Regardless of experience level, every team played an important role in making the event a success.
A Community Coming Together
The heart of the event was not just the competition — it was the shared purpose behind it.
One participant, Jen M., summed it up perfectly when asked why she attended:
“We just really support what you do at CASA. When children are going through a tough time, they need a trusting and supportive adult to make sure their voices are heard. The world is really hard right now, but you can be kind to a child.”
That sentiment reflects exactly why events like this matter. They bring people together around a simple but powerful idea: that every child deserves support, stability, and someone in their corner.
Celebrating Our Winners
The competition brought out some impressive performances:
Pairs (300-piece puzzle):
- 🥇 1st Place: Jigsaw Junkies – 52:41
- 🥈 2nd Place: Kim K (solo) – 54:47
Teams (500-piece puzzle):
- 🥇 1st Place: 46:06
- 🥈 2nd Place: Puzzle People – 50:32
- 🥉 3rd Place: Choking Hazard – 52:41
Winners received prizes generously provided by Game Knights.
Thank You to Our Sponsors and Supporters
This event would not have been possible without the support of our incredible sponsors:
- Game Knights – for providing puzzles and prizes
- Queen Creations – for delicious cookies and concessions
- Paige Wharton Realty – for providing refreshments and generous support
- Kim Himes
We are also deeply grateful to the volunteers who helped organize, set up, and run the event, as well as everyone who attended and contributed.
Looking Ahead
As our first puzzle competition, this event provided not only a fun and engaging experience, but also valuable insight for future growth. The enthusiasm, participation, and community support made it clear — this is just the beginning.
Events like this remind us that advocacy doesn’t only happen in courtrooms. It happens in communities, through connection, and through people who choose to show up.
Together, we are helping change children’s stories one piece at a time. 💙
