Bringing It Home

These past few months have been non stop go-go-go.  Busyness seems to start in October and does not subside until…well…it hasn’t.  It’s been busy but very, very good busy.

These past few months were full of such wonderful memories, that I would be amiss if I did not share with you my love for the CASA Holiday Luncheon I attended.

I was honored to be a guest of a dear friend who adores and supports CASA.  The organization has been a love of mine for several years as well.  CASA is my sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta’s philanthropy.   This advocacy has been a keeper in my heart for years.

                                                  bleucotton.com

This year’s event took place Friday, December 7th at the St. Regis Monarch Beach with over 600 guests enjoying a wildly large -yet pristine silent auction, elegant wish trees, a spectacular Diane von Furstenberg fashion show, followed by Key Note Speaker, Christine Devine. ( I am a new fan).  Her work with the kids and Wednesday’s Child is so beautiful.  This Anchor on Fox 11 News blew us all away.  And finally, to bring us all home- American Idol Season 7 Top 10 Finalist Michael Johns preformed.

CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates.  Currently there are nearly 3,000 children in foster care in our county alone due to chronic or severe abuse and neglect. Unlike social workers, therapists and attorneys who juggle large caseloads and rarely have time to focus on a single child, CASA volunteers work with only one child at a time and often become the most important person in that child’s life.

For the past 15 years, CASA has held their Holiday Luncheon to raise the crucial funding needed to recruit, train and support hundreds of mentor-advocates for the coming year-making a difference for hundreds of children who are waiting for a CASA volunteer of their own.

Chef Brian Malarkey did a fun cooking demonstration at the pre-party, silent auction.  Brian just launched a new ABC show called The Taste.  He was just a super cool guy, dad, chef that was beyond supportive to CASA, an organization his mother supported over the years as well. At the live auction, he partnered with DACOR and auctioned off  a high-end DACOR BBQ, then offered the winner a personal visit to their home to set it up and BBQ for them- price went up ten fold!  Did I say a good-hearted man who gets it?

Overall, this elegant luncheon brought generous donations from many caring individuals and companies together for a good cause, a net of $320K.  95% of sponsorship donations and auction proceeds will directly benefit CASA’s mentoring and advocacy program for abused kids. The event was superb, company “a joy” and the support will make a huge difference in the life of a child in need.