Lakeway CASA hosting 12^th Annual Gala: Nurturing Hope: The Giving Tree Gala

March 19th at Walters State Community College

 A special night focused on raising awareness about Lakeway CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and their commitment to making a difference in the lives of children who have experienced abuse and neglect will be held on Tuesday, March 19^th, at 6 p.m.

The evening will be filled with powerful testimony from author and social media influencer Raquel McCloud. Best known for her authenticity with the community she has built on Instagram as MCCLOUDLIFE, Raquel, a former child of kinship care, birth mom in reunion, and kinship adoptive mom, has brought that same passion and vulnerability off-screen as the author of five adoption, foster and kinship focused children's books, keynote speaker, workshop leader, and panelist. Raquel's purpose and perspective are rooted in Genesis 50:20, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good..." She boldly shares her truth through a lens of empathy and grace without compromising honesty for the sake of comfort. Her story is an inspiring display of tragedy and resilience, hope and healing and the unflinching belief that grief and gratitude can coexist.

The night will also celebrate the impact of CASA volunteers and feature remarks from the Honorable S. Lane Wolfenbarger, Grainger County Juvenile Judge, and music from the Walters State Community College Choir. Guests will be treated to a delicious dinner from Jersey Girl Catering. Our goal is to inspire and motivate our community to nurture hope and positively impact the lives of children under the care of CASA.

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 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 Lakeway CASA's goal of having a CASA Volunteer available for every child who needs one.

Registration is free; however, a donation is appreciated. Table sponsorships are available as well. Reservations and table sponsorships are available on the Lakeway CASA website, by calling 423-307-5762 or emailing kelleywcasa@gmail.com.