We Are so Thankful for our CASA Village
I'm sure you've heard the phrase, "It takes a village...". Indeed it does take a village here at CASA of Central Virginia. Our staff is small but our village is extensive! We have about 100 CASA volunteer advocates, 21 board members, immeasurable special event volunteers, office volunteers, interns, corporate partners, and donors who make our mission possible. Each one contributes in his or her own unique way to wrap support around the children who are appointed to us by the courts. Together, we are a powerful voice for children.
On Monday evening, June 18, our village came together at Quaker Memorial Presbyterian Church to celebrate everyone who makes CASA possible. We want to thank Pacific Life and The Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation for their financial support of our Volunteer and Donor Recognition Dinner.
During the evening, we presented awards to volunteers and donors who had made a difference over the past year.
Presidential Service Awards:
The President's Council on Service and Civic Participation (the Council) was established in 2003 to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers are making in our communities and encourage more people to serve. The Council created the President's Volunteer Service Award program as a way to thank and honor Americans who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service.
Recognizing and honoring volunteers sets a standard for service, encourages a sustained commitment to civic participation, and inspires others to make service a central part of their lives. The President's Volunteer Service Award recognizes individuals, families, and groups that have achieved a certain standard - measured by the number of hours of service over a 12-month period or cumulative hours earned over the course of a lifetime.
The Dale H. Harris Volunteer Hall of Fame:
In recognition of CASA's 20th anniversary and to honor The Honorable Dale H. Harris, who initiated the establishment of the CASA program, CASA of Central VA established the Honorable Dale H. Harris Volunteer Hall of Fame. The first twelve volunteers were inducted at CASA's 20th Anniversary Celebration on March 19, 2010.
The Hall of Fame was intended to recognize exemplary volunteers - board members as well as CASA volunteers - who had made significant contributions to the organization and to achieving positive outcomes for abused and neglected children. Each inductee is presented with an engraved, clear acrylic award; and his or her name is engraved on a perpetual plaque, which is displayed in the CASA Administrative Office.
In order to be inducted, volunteers must meet the following selection criteria:
- Must have served as a CASA volunteer or on CASA's Board of Directors for a minimum of three years.
- Must have demonstrated exemplary services as a volunteer, often going above and beyond the duties outlined in the job description.
- Must have made a measurable impact to improve the organization or the life of an abused and neglected child.
- Has received a written recommendation from a staff member or other volunteer familiar with the nominee's contributions.
Newbie of the Year Awards
This award goes to the volunteers who were recently inducted who have gone above and beyond in their role to advocate for children. Each advocate manager nominates one volunteer annually.
Blair Moseley Corporate Excellence Awards
This award was established in 2017 in memory of former CASA board member, Blair Moseley. The award honors the legacy Blair left to CASA of Central Virginia. With a clear vision of the future and the need to secure funding and ensure sustainability, Blair helped to establish the Heart and Sole Shoe Market.
Through her connections in the shoe industry and with Consolidated Shoe Company, the first shoe sale was held in the spring of 1999 and brought in $6,000. The event continued to grow and one year brought in a record setting $86,000. Although the event has transformed and re-branded throughout the years, it continues to be a signature fundraiser for CASA. We are grateful for Blair's vision and for Consolidated Shoe Company's continued support.
Each year, this award is given to the companies and organizations who have gone above and beyond to support our mission and assist in efforts toward long-term financial sustainability for our program.
Philanthropist of the Year Award
This award was established to honor an individual donor who has made a significant impact on our organization with their gift(s).
