CASA grateful for community's support

The Court Appointed Special Advocates program is thankful to our community for the success of the Open Your Purse For Kids fundraiser held in September.

Good bargains and a good time was had by all. The event brought in nearly $8,000 to support our local nonprofit program. There are many great organizations and individuals to thank for this success. We are truly thankful for the community members who supported the CASA program through their participating in this event.

Local businesses, organizations and individuals contributed in-kind donations, time and talent: Nicole French and Petal Talk was responsible for the delightful Garden Party decor. June’s Jewels, Glenda Kochen, Darlene Pfahl, Finan McDonald, La Chic Boutique, Bizarre Bazaar, Creations for Sandpoint, Trinity at City Beach, Jalapeños, Ivano’s Restorante, Community Assistance League, Sharon Strand, Anna Bates, Barbara Carver, Mary and Dave Sturgis, Pedro’s, Zaney Zebra, Eve’s Leaves, Sharon’s Hallmark, Bella Jezza Boutique, Pend Oreille Winery, Bill Jones Distributing, Pour Authority, Ferrante’s Italian Marketplace, Century 21 Riverstone Real Estate and Tomlinson Sotheby’s Realty, Jeff and Cindy Bond and Shery and Scott Meekings for donating the use of the purses room at the Cedar Street Bridge Marketplace.

This event simply could not have happened without the commitment of time and helping hands of people like: Polly Mire, Lara Wohllaib, Cherie Warber, Gale Harbison, Linda Loftis, Tricia Sturgis, Glen and Barb Shaw, Tia Hoffman, Erica Cookman, Susan Moon, Mia Bartlett, Diane Newton, Mark Sauter, Tom Suttmeier, Herm Pfahl, Robin Hanson, Luana Hiebert, June Fogarty, Judy Labrie, Blake Dufenhorst, Ben Reich, Marli Ivy, Delia Boyd, Ruby June, Lacie Redding, Morgan Wohllaib, Michaela Fankell, Brecken and Cooper Mire.

In Bonner and Boundary counties every time a child is removed from their home for allegations of abuse or neglect, our judges appoint a CASA volunteer as guardian ad litem to advocate for the best interests of each foster child and to monitor their well being. CASAs are volunteers in our community that have been specially trained and have made a commitment to our local foster children.

With our gratitude,

CHERIE PEAK

Bonner/Boundary CASA supervisor

HILARY HOFFMAN

First Judicial District

CASA program director of development