Fundraiser will support those who support kids

FINDLAY — An upcoming gala event with the theme "Help a Child Bloom" aims to strengthen the roots of one of Hancock County's newer nonprofits. Friends of CASA supports the volunteers who advocate for abused or neglected children in Hancock County courts. CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children) Hancock County was once its own nonprofit agency. In 2022, the organization transitioned and is now under the umbrella of Hancock County Probate and Juvenile Court Judge Kristen Johnson. While CASA itself receives government funding, Friends of CASA exists as a nonprofit organization working to meet funding gaps, said Krista Pruitt, board chair. Pruitt had served on the board for the previous CASA nonprofit before it dissolved, and has remained involved in Friends of CASA. She said she has been committed to the organization because it's rewarding to see the difference the volunteers make. "I know how hard the volunteers work and how selflessly they give of their time," she said. When a case related to child abuse or neglect is making its way through the court system, CASA volunteers have the responsibility of speaking on behalf of the child, just as each parent may have their own attorney. Ashley Bell, executive director of CASA Hancock County, said county funding along with a federal grant pay for CASA's basic expenses, including her salary. However, the Friends of CASA board raises funds to support volunteers, providing appreciation gifts and mileage reimbursement. Bell said many volunteers do a large amount of driving. Friends of CASA also raises funds to advertise to recruit more CASA volunteers. Both Pruitt and Bell emphasized that CASA and Friends of CASA are separate entities – one government, the other nonprofit. Pruitt said Bell comes to Friends of CASA meetings so the organization knows her needs, but she does not report to them and their mission is to support. She likened it to how many "Friends of the Library" groups exist to raise funds to help libraries, but are not directly managing the librarians. Pruitt said everyone involved in Friends of CASA also does other work to help children, whether through their employment or another volunteer job. "What I've noticed that we all have in common is a passion to help children," she said. Pruitt described the volunteers as "so selfless" and said they have never asked for mileage reimbursement. But she and the Friends of CASA team are determined to let them know they're appreciated. Pruitt herself was previously a CASA volunteer, advocating for children whose parents used drugs. She said she was moved to help by thinking about how a child in that situation would need "someone who genuinely cared about their well-being speaking on their behalf." Bell began in her role in October 2022 and said it has been rewarding to see people determined to make a difference on behalf of children. "We have such a great group of volunteers," she said. She said the support of Friends of CASA has helped with volunteer retention. One longtime volunteer told her last Christmas that he had felt more appreciated than ever after Friends of CASA took the time to honor volunteers with gifts. Friends of CASA is about to hold its first major fundraiser. The April 11 event will feature artwork from CASA children as well as local artists available for purchase, along with music, heavy hors d'oeuvres, and activities related to the "bloom" theme, such as a build-your-own bouquet and a wish tree where supporters can sponsor a child. Pruitt said the theme of "blooming" represents "growth and potential". Having children's artwork available for purchase is a way to include them. Pruitt said the children remain anonymous, but the presence of their art means they are part of the event. She has already been hearing from people who bought tickets early and are looking forward to the gala. "I'm excited to see a roomful of people supporting this issue," she said. In addition to raising funds, she hopes the gala allows attendees to learn more about CASA and Friends of CASA, perhaps leading to recruiting more volunteers or board members. The intent is to make this an annual event. Bell said she sees CASA change children's lives. Throughout their ordeal, they might have four or five caseworkers and multiple healthcare providers. But they generally have the same CASA advocate throughout. "They have someone consistent… Their CASA advocate is the one constant that's in their life," she said. Bell said CASA is always looking for more volunteers, and the need is increasing. A volunteer must be at least 21 years old, but does not need to have a background in law or criminal justice. They will receive training. The only requirement, Bell said, is that "they have a heart for doing this work." The Friends of CASA gala takes place at 5:30 p.m. April 11 at the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $50 and are available at https://www.hancockcountycasa.org/news-events or through the Facebook page Friends of CASA/GAL of Hancock County.