The holiday season truly came to life at CASA of the Eastern Panhandle’s annual Wrap and Rave, our largest volunteer gathering of the year and one of the most meaningful traditions in our organization.
This year, more than 100 CASA staff, board members, volunteers, and their family members came together with one shared goal: to ensure children involved with CASA across the Eastern Panhandle experience the joy and dignity of a special holiday. Tables filled quickly with wrapping paper, bows, tape, and laughter as hundreds of gifts were wrapped with care—each one representing a child who deserves to feel seen, supported, and celebrated.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Holiday Inn in Martinsburg and their incredible staff for hosting this event and providing a warm, welcoming space for our CASA community. Their hospitality—and a delicious catered dinner—helped make the evening both festive and comfortable for everyone in attendance.
One of the most moving moments of the night was the presentation of the 2025 Val Smith Volunteer of the Year Award to Darah Kehnemuyi. This award, named in honor of CASA-EP’s beloved co-founder, recognizes a volunteer whose dedication, compassion, and advocacy exemplify the very heart of CASA’s mission. Darah’s unwavering commitment to lifting up children’s voices and supporting fellow advocates is a powerful reflection of Val Smith’s legacy, and we are deeply proud to celebrate him.
A special thank you also goes to SC Studios, who once again went above and beyond to make the night unforgettable. From providing a festive Photo Booth and capturing meaningful volunteer testimonials, to offering updated headshots and bringing the energy by quite literally putting the rap into Wrap and Rave, their creativity and generosity added so much joy to the evening.
Wrap and Rave is more than an event—it’s a reflection of what makes CASA-EP so special. It is volunteers giving their time, families pitching in together, community partners showing up, and everyone rallying around children who need extra care and support during the holidays.
To every person who wrapped a gift, lent a hand, shared a laugh, or helped make this night possible: thank you. Because of you, children in our community will wake up knowing they are not forgotten—and that someone is always in their corner.
