WORCESTER—The CASA Project of Worcester County celebrated its 7th annual Champions for Children Celebration on Sept. 11, when the agency launched a surprise matching fundraiser effort and recognized several people who have been integral to the agency’s continued success.
The Champions for Children Celebration honors those who have contributed to the nonprofit agency’s mission, which is to advocate for the best interests of children in foster care. But the event also helps raise money to support its efforts to provide court appointed special advocates, or CASAs, for youths in foster care helping give them a voice in their paths towards permanent homes.
The money raised from the event helps fund a variety of needs from training to fully covering the cost of CASAs for the hundreds of children they assist throughout the region. This year’s event was extra special with the surprise announcement of a full match donation when the agency reaches its next $100,000 in fundraising.
The donation comes from Lee, Carol and Matthew Tesconi (with Lee being the brother of CASA Assistant Director Lynn Barrieau). While there wasn’t a specific deadline for the agency to reach the $100,000 threshold, CASA Executive Director Julie Bowditch said they’re hoping to raise the money before the end of 2025.
“We’re confident we’re going to get there. We’re going to give ourselves to the end of the year,” Bowditch said. “There’s obviously a lot of generosity in the room, but it really is going to take a village beyond the event to help.”
If they reach the target, the match brings the full amount to $200,000. The celebration served as a strong start towards that goal raising over $39,500 before the end of the night, not including money raised through silent and live auctions.
The event was also a celebration of several notable individuals who have contributed in some way to CASA’s mission and success. Recipients also received citations from the State House and senate.
Among the honorees were:
– Allison Gomez, who received the inaugural Champion of Hope award which celebrates individuals who are working to uplift and inspire hope for vulnerable youth. Gomez serves as Program Manager for the Unaccompanied Refugee Minors program at Ascentria Care Alliance.
– Senator Robyn Kennedy, who received The Senator Chandler Award, named after her predecessor and longtime CASA supporter in the State Senate Harriette Chandler, for continuing her office’s dedication to CASA’s mission on the state level.
– The Honorable Anthony J. Marotta, a Juvenile Court Judge, who received the Service Award for his advocacy for CASA including swearing in many volunteer advocates.
– The Hanover Insurance Group, represented by Dennis Kerrigan and Kimberly Salmon, which received the Spotlight Award for their generous contributions to CASA.
– Governor’s Councilor Paul Depalo, who was presented with the Champion for Children’s Award for his service on the Governor’s Council representing District 7, which includes 61 municipalities. As part of his service, Depalo has a hand in approving all Massachusetts state court judges.
– A surprise Ambassador Award was presented to Phil Smith, one of the event’s photographers, for his services to the agency behind the camera.
Bowditch said the event was more than just a fundraiser or an award’s ceremony. She considers it a true celebration of everyone who helps make CASA so successful. It was also a reminder of just how far the agency can stretch those donations to provide advocates for countless children in need of an adult who has their best interests in mind.
“You think about 16 paid staff people and almost 225 volunteers,” she said. “We’re able to be good stewards of those dollars because we’re able to accomplish more very efficiently thanks to the generosity of people’s time. That’s really what it comes down to; this funding allows us to recruit more thoughtfully, train more thoughtfully, and to retain those volunteers because they are the heart and soul of what we do.”
While the CASA Project of Worcester County will continue to strive towards reaching its primary $100,000 goal, the need doesn’t end there. They are always accepting donations and volunteer applications for court appointed special advocates all year long. Information on how to support CASA is available on their website, thecasaproject.org.
Jason Bleau, a seasoned reporter from Connecticut’s Quiet Corner, has over 11 years of news media experience. He has worked as a news anchor for WINY 1350 AM, contributed to Stonebridge Press publications, and covered racing as a Press Box coordinator at Thompson Speedway. Outside journalism, he is a movie enthusiast, freelance film reviewer, banker, and solo musician. He can be reached at bleau.jason@yahoo.com
