F

A night of recognizing the hard work and dedication of Lakeway CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) volunteers will take place on Tuesday, February 21st, at Walters State Community College.

The 11th Annual Lakeway CASA Gala will feature WVLT Meteorologist Kyle Grainger as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies; Sally Roberts, a former CASA youth, will share her powerful testimony of the impact CASA had on her during her childhood.

The Honorable Judge Blake Sempkowski, Hamblen County Juvenile Court, will share his perspective on having a CASA in court.

CASA Comfort Dog, Sophie, will be present for photo opportunities. A delicious dinner of pork barbeque, gourmet mac and cheese, and green beans is provided by HillBilly Catering.

Lakeway CASA is a local nonprofit that recruits, screens, trains, and supports volunteers dedicated to advocating for the needs of abused and neglected children in need of services or supervision.

Lakeway CASA speaks up for children who’ve been abused or neglected by empowering our community to volunteer as advocates for them in the court system.

When the state steps in to protect a child’s safety, a judge appoints a trained CASA advocate to make independent and informed recommendations in the child’s best interest.

For children who’ve been abused or neglected, CASA means having a home instead of feeling lost and being a priority instead of feeling invisible. Children with a CASA are more likely to end up with their families, receive therapy, health care, and education, do better in school, and be less likely to be bounced from one place to another or get stuck in long-term foster care.

The median cost to provide a CASA is $1,000 per child for one year (most CASA cases last 12-18 months). This cost covers recruiting, training, and supporting volunteers to advocate for the child. Proceeds from the Gala will go towards the Lakeway CASA’s goal of having a CASA Volunteer available for every child that needs one.

Registration is free; however, a donation is appreciated.

Table sponsorships are available as well. Reservations can be made or by calling 423-307-5762.