St. Charles city employees raising funds for CASA
The city of St. Charles employees will hold a special initiative to benefit CASA Kane County during October. Employees will pay $6 each Friday for the privilege of wearing jeans.
To close out the month's efforts, a bake sale will be held on Friday, Oct. 31, at the Public Works building, 200 Devereaux Way, from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. and then at City Hall, 2 E. Main St., from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. There will also be a raffle for theater tickets, gift baskets and more. Donation boxes for CASA will be available at city buildings.
This event, called "CASAtober" is part of CASA Kane County's "Partnerships with a Purpose" program where a company, organization or individual holds a promotion, event or sale to benefit CASA's child advocacy program.
Lori Hewitt, director of development for CASA Kane County, was aware of the City's jeans day give back, so she asked the city to consider making this a monthlong event to get residents involved.
"This is not just about the money raised for our organization, but also about creating awareness for the children we are privileged to serve," Hewitt said.
Lynn Creedon, benefits coordinator for the city, brought the idea to the committee that handles the jeans day.
In addition to the city's contribution, the Arcada, Steel Beam Theatre and Fox Valley Repertory donated tickets to the raffle. Blue Goose will be selling raffle tickets to win Blue Goose gift certificates - one winner will be pulled every Friday during October - and has donated a sheet cake for the bake sale. The St. Charles Park District donated a basket for the raffle and will be collecting donations of hats and mittens for the children at each of their locations. JP Jewelers will be selling raffle tickets for three necklaces with a birthstone.
Tickets will be sold all month long and three winners will be chosen on Friday, Oct. 31. The money donated will be used toward the recruitment, training and supervision of community volunteers who serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates/Guardians ad Litem (CASA/GAL) for children who are in court due to abuse and neglect.
You can help by stopping by the city of St. Charles, buying raffle tickets at Blue Goose, 300 S. Second St., and JP Jewelers, 151 S. First St., or visiting the St. Charles Park District to drop off hats and mittens during the month of October.
"Partnering with local community merchants and businesses is what this program is all about," stated Hewitt from CASA. "It is amazing how the community will get involved to help us continue advocating for our youth."
CASA Kane County is a nonprofit, volunteer organization that advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children within the juvenile court system and has been advocating for these children since 1988. In 2013, the program's 258 volunteers served 552 children.
Businesses interested in partnering with CASA should contact Lori Hewitt, Director of Development at (630) 444-3107. To learn more about CASA Kane County, visit www.casakanecounty.org.