CASA Lake County fundraising gala helps abused children

CASA Lake County announced that Mary Szela, chairwoman of Rib-X Pharmaceuticals, will chair its ninth annual fundraising gala.

The funds will assist 277 CASA volunteers to become advocates for neglected and abused children who, through no fault of their own, are in the Lake County Juvenile Court system.

The event, known in the past as CASAblanca, has netted more than $1.2 million. This year, the gala has “Seeds of Hope” as its theme to symbolize the commitment to both provide hope and a CASA advocate for every child who needs one.

WGN News Anchor Micah Materre will host the event, which will begin with a reception starting at 6 p.m. Saturday, May 4, in the McGinley Gallery and Nichols Pavilion at the Chicago Botanic Garden, Lake-Cook Road, Glencoe.

The evening will feature cocktails, dinner, live entertainment, dancing, a silent auction and the presentation of the Terri Zenner Award to Steffan Schubert, president of Lundbeck, Inc., for the pioneering work being done by his brain research pharmaceutical company to help CASA advocates and others to recognize child abuse behavior problems.

“There is an increased need for advocates to provide a voice for abused children,” said Szela, a member of the CASA board of directors. “We are committed to raise the funds necessary to expand our training programs.

“Our 2013 fundraising event reflects a renewed energy, new theme, venue and goal to substantially increase contributions and to raise community awareness of this invaluable organization,” she added.

For information about attending “Seeds of Hope,” becoming a CASA advocate or to make a donation, contact Joanie Bayhack at (847) 383-6260, ext. 217, or visit www.casalakecounty.com.