North Idaho CASA plans Purse Party fundraiser

(Courtesy photo) Open Your Purse for Kids committee members Polly Mire, left, and Cherie Warber, right, pose for a photograph at the 2014 event.

(Courtesy photo) CASA Open Your Purse For Kids committee member Rhonda Tate and her granddaughter at the 2014 event.

| October 27, 2017 1:00 AM

(Courtesy photo) CASA Open Your Purse For Kids committee member Rhonda Tate and her granddaughter at the 2014 event.

On Tuesday, Nov. 7, from 4-7 p.m., Pend d’Oreille Winery will host a Purse Party for North Idaho CASA.

The entry fee of $5 at the door will buy you a glass of wine and the chance to bid, buy or win designer handbags and gently used purses. Over 100 handbags will be featured. Fork in the Road catering will prepare lite bites to the guests who are encouraged to mingle and shop during the three-hour event.

CASA supports trained advocates for over 400 child abuse and neglect victims in North Idaho. Advocates investigate child protection cases, represent the child’s best interest in court and help to place them in safe homes with forever families.

Judy Labrie, former CASA (court appointed special advocate) worker and Lara Wohllaib, board liaison for CASA, have been involved in the purse party from the beginning.

Currently, the North Idaho CASA Program has 98 active advocates; however, 124 are needed to properly serve the growing number of child protective cases in the community.

Through donations and fundraisers, CASA can actively work to train and support enough advocates to ensure that every child victim has a voice.