CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Luzerne County held its inaugural Casablanca Gala on Sept. 29 at the F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre. The event was a tremendous success and was attended by approximately 300 people. In addition, the event received generous financial support from individuals, businesses, local colleges and universities, and financial institutions. In particular, CASA of Luzerne County would like to thank M&T Bank, the gala’s primary sponsor. Other major sponsors included Berkshire Asset Management, OneSource HR Solutions, Community Bank, Lamar Advertising, McCarthy Tire, Sundance Vacations, Shep Pawling and Tracey Selingo. CASA of Luzerne County was founded on the belief that children who have been abused or neglected deserve a dedicated advocate to speak up for that child’s best interests in court, in school and in our community. To accomplish this goal, CASA recruits, educates and supports volunteers from our community who ensure that every child’s unique circumstances are carefully considered in an over-burdened child welfare system.
Last year 483 children in Luzerne County were removed from their homes because of abuse and/or neglect. Our goal is to ensure that every one of these children land in a safe, nurturing and permanent home.
On behalf of the children who we serve, the volunteer advocates that we sustain, the outstanding Casablanca event committee and our dedicated board of directors, I humbly thank all those who participated in making the Casablanca Gala a wonderful event.
John Aciukewicz Executive Director CASA of Luzerne County Wilkes-Barre
