C.A.S.A Hosts Silent Auction to Ensure Future Financial Stability

Upbeat classical music set the mood as the Court Appointed Special Advocates (C.A.S.A) of San Bernardino held a night of art and music at the National Orange Show Art Gallery in San Bernardino. On Nov. 19, C.A.S.A hosted a silent auction as part of their Seeds for Tomorrow campaign in hopes of raising money for a matching grant of $20,000 donated by the Weingart Foundation. All funds raised throughout the campaign are utilized to ensure future financial stability. Kara Hunter, Executive Director at C.A.S.A, explained the significance of the non-profit organization. “Our organization works with kids in foster care and on juvenile probation,” said Hunter. According to Hunter, C.A.S.A volunteers act as advocates or mentors appointed by the court, to work with the youth. Throughout the night, attendees had the opportunity to bid on various items such as season tickets for two to the San Bernardino Symphony and a Lake Arrowhead resort and spa certificate. As C.A.S.A staff members tallied the bidding sheets, Executive Director Hunter invited Guest Speaker Domenique Chavers to say a few words. Chavers is an 18-year-old college student who experienced the C.A.S.A program firsthand. “I think this is the best program for a kid,” said Chavers. “I think if I didn’t have C.A.S.A I wouldn’t be where I am today." According to Chavers, her experience with C.A.S.A has inspired her to pursue a career in social work. Immediately after Chavers's motivational speech, San Bernardino County Third District Supervisor James Ramos took the floor. Ramos explained the importance of funding an organization such as C.A.S.A. and stressed the significance of community. “C.A.S.A. is a program that’s been around, but has proven that it works and sometimes people don’t truly understand the impact that is in our community,” said Ramos. As the auction came to an end, C.A.S.A staff members began announcing the auction winners. According to C.A.S.A staff member Peggy Tahramanis, the silent auction raised roughly $7,500 by the end of the night.