Press Release:
Close to 80 guests gathered at Terry Hills Banquet Facility on Saturday, Sept. 30 for the 11th Annual CASAblanca Casino Fundraiser put on by the Genesee County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) for Children.
"It was wonderful to see so many people come out to support such an important cause. The evening was filled with laughter, basket raffles, a silent auction, and Las Vegas-style casino games provided by Upstate Vegas Events out of Rochester NY." Said Jennifer Metz, Executive Director of Genesee County CASA.
There was a special guest speaker who was very familiar with the work that Genesee County CASA for Children does. Her name is Madi Coniglio and she spoke about her experience with CASA and how CASA helped to change the trajectory of her life.
“When I first started with CASA my hope and stability returned. My voice was heard, and I was listened to for once. In a Life full of doubt, I knew I never needed to doubt CASA’s ability to make sure I would be safe and loved.” Madi stated.
Pamela Wentworth, Board of Director Member and Volunteer Advocate, and the Honorable Thomas Williams, Genesee County Family Court Judge, also shared a few words with the crowd on Saturday.
“The guests had a great time playing games, enjoying the delicious meal catered by the wonderful staff at Terry Hills, and socializing with each other. I'm sure it was a night to remember for everyone who attended. The event was a huge success, and those funds will go to support the important work of CASA for Children throughout the community. Overall, it was a fantastic evening for a great cause, and everyone left smiling,” said Metz.
“We are extremely grateful for the support of our sponsors, who make our work possible. It is thanks to their generosity that we can make a difference in our community.” Metz continued.
“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our "Ricks Café" sponsor, West Middlebury Baptist Church, as well as our King-level sponsors, Empire Building Diagnostics and Liberty Pumps. We also want to thank our Queen-level sponsors, including Upstate Niagara Cooperative - OATKA, Batavia Downs and Gaming, Terry Hills Golf Course & Banquet Facility, Western Regional Off Track Betting Corp, and Main Street Pizza Company. Finally, we would like to acknowledge our Jack-level sponsors: Tompkins Community Bank, Craig and Kimberly Yunker, Dr. Robert Marchese, Lawley Insurance, Batavia Legal Printing, and Torrey Farms, INC. Thank you all for your incredible support! We would also like to thank Ken Barrett Chevrolet-Cadillac, Genesee Feeds, The Torrey Foundation in memory of Jordyn, Jennifer L. Kapela Froebel DDS, Becker Farms, Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, Buffalo Bisons, Genesee Country Village & Museum, Zeliff Aviation, Strong Museum of Science, and the many area businesses that graciously provided beautiful gift baskets, gift certificates, and silent auction items for this year's event. We are profoundly grateful for the outpouring of support from our community.”
Genesee County CASA is a private, non-profit organization whose purpose is to train and supervise a diverse group of volunteers to advocate for children who have been abused and/or neglected. The family court system appoints cases to CASA and we then assign them to our volunteer advocates.
The children appointed to us are at risk of being removed from their homes or they have already been placed into the foster care system. CASA's goal is to ensure that all of these children have safe and permanent homes as quickly as possible. A child who has a CASA advocate has significantly fewer placements than a child without one. The involvement of a CASA advocate helps to improve the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of the child.
“We are always recruiting new advocates,” said Metz.
If you are interested in becoming a CASA volunteer or would like more information about the program, please contact Executive Director Jennifer Metz at 585-815-7809 or send an email to director@geneseecountycasa.org.
