The Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce recognized CASA of Luzerne County as the "Charitable Organization of the Year" at the Chamber's Annual Dinner on November 15, 2016. CASA of Luzerne County was founded on the belief that children who have been abused or neglected deserve a dedicated advocate to represent that child's best interests in court. To accomplish this goal, CASA recruits, selects, trains, supports, and empowers citizens from Luzerne County. These community volunteers are appointed by a Judge who then dedicate themselves to learning all they can about a child's unfortunate family circumstances. The Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) then provides the Judge with informed recommendations as to the safest, most secure and nurturing placement for that child.

“What CASA does for our community is critical”, said Wico van Genderen, President & CEO, Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber, “because what they do is advocate and serve for children in need under our county courts jurisdiction. Our future is in our children – all our children and in particular for those most in need. That is why the Chamber has recognized CASA at our Annual Dinner and contributed to their cause in helping our most vulnerable”.

The Chamber provided a contribution in the amount of $2,000.00 to support CASA of Luzerne County and its mission to help abused and neglected children in Luzerne County. Shown in the attached photo are: Wico van Genderen, President & CEO, Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber, John Aciukewicz, Esq., Executive Director of CASA of Luzerne County, Kathi Bankes, Metz Culinary Management, and Bill Sordoni, President & CEO, Sordoni Construction.