CASA Gratitude In 2022
At the end of each year, we tend to reflect. We reflect on our victories, our challenges, what we did well this year, our goals for next year, and what we are thankful for. At CASA, we reflect on all of these things and prepare for what the next year will bring as we work together to impact the lives of children and families who need all of us to help them thrive in 2023.
Here’s a list of some of the people and things that made 2022 a wonderful year at CASA of Central Virginia.
CASA VOlunteers
Simply put, CASA of Central Virginia could not exist without the dedication of our advocates. They give a voice to those without one. A voice that will be proclaimed and heard through their CASA volunteer. During 2022, we had 74 CASA volunteers serve 214 children. 214 lives were forever changed because someone cared enough to volunteer their time to make a difference in a child’s life.
We need more CASA volunteers and would love to share how YOU can change a child’s story in 2023.
The Honorable Judge H. Cary Payne conducted our Fall 2022 CASA Induction Ceremony of eight new CASA advocates!
CASA Donors
In addition to our volunteers, our donors are the lifeline of CASA’s mission. They support CASA’s ability to recruit, train, and support the advocates needed to serve the children waiting for them. We appreciate every gift from every donor and want you to know your gift makes a difference. All gifts are tax-deductible. Consider giving a one-time gift or becoming a monthly donor today!
Board Members
Our Board of Directors is one of the hardest-working boards in Lynchburg. They give their time and resources to support our staff and volunteers each day. We are so thankful to know that CASA is important to them and that they show that through their support of CASA’s mission.
CASA Staff Members
At CASA, our roles are different, but our goals are the same - making sure that every child who needs a CASA, has one. We work tirelessly to do all we can to be sure that our volunteers are supported, empowered, and valued. In 2022 we are grateful for a team who will work together for children and families.
Grantors
We are supported by many corporations and organizations that also help ensure our financial sustainability. Their faithful support of CASA is vital to the success of our program. We thank each one for caring about the smallest voices in our community.
CASA Executive Director, Allison Stronza and Bedford Community Health Director, Denny Huff.
CASA’s Final Shoe Sale
2022 marked the end of an era as we held the final CASA Shoe Sale on April 30th at Heritage United Methodist Church. The Shoe Sale started in 1999 thanks to the vision of then CASA board member, Blair Moseley, who worked hard to bring the shoe sale to fruition which provided critical funding to the growing organization. Blair sadly passed away in 2013 after a brave battle with cancer. Her legacy lives on each day through the mission of CASA. We are thankful for Blair and all of the sponsors, supporters, and shoppers throughout the years.
CASA Fundraising Events
In addition to the last Shoe Sale, we held three fundraising events in 2022 that we hope to continue each year. In March, CASA Blanca was held at the Historic Virginian Hotel in downtown Lynchburg. This evening was filled with philanthropy, moving stories, and generosity. In September we held the 3rd Annual Fore the Kids Golf Tournament at London Downs. This collaboration between CASA of Central Virginia and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Virginia not only raises funds for two child-serving agencies but also brings awareness to the need for more male volunteers as well as how each organization serves children as advocates and mentors. This year’s tournament grossed close to $50,000 to split between both charities. November was “super” fun as the 8th Annual CASA Superhero Run was held at Percival’s Island. This year’s race was the most successful in history as it grossed more than $75,000! This fun event for families brings the community together for such a special day.
We want to say a special “thank you” to each sponsor, donor, attendee, supporter, volunteer, and anyone else who helped make these three events so successful.
Mustaches 4 Kids
Mustaches 4 Kids - Lynchburg held another exciting growing season during November 2022 and CASA is proud to once again be one of the core charities to receive a portion of the funds raised. This event has become one of our favorites each year and we love being able to meet the growers, supporters, and other charities involved. This year marked another year of raising over $500,000 for the kids of our community! Way to GROW!
CASA Sidekicks
Every hero needs a sidekick, and thanks to CASA Sidekicks, we are able to provide even more support to CASA and its mission. We are thankful for each of our sidekicks and we need more! If you are interested in becoming a CASA Sidekick, learn more below.
Some of our amazing Superhero Run volunteers!
Community Partners
CASA of Central Virginia was blessed with so much support from our community in 2022! We thank each organization, foundation, place of business, place of worship, club, civic group, donor, sponsor, supporter, volunteer, family, judge, DSS worker, GAL, foster parent, committee member, newspaper, radio station, and local tv station who have taken the time to support CASA of Central Virginia in 2022. We look forward to advocating for the most vulnerable lives again in 2023 and will be proud to have each of your support as we do.
