Lake County Companies Lead CASA Lake County Campaign

It's not easy for non-profit, charitable organizations to raise funds during the best of times. During a pandemic, it's daunting. No celebratory dinners. No golf tournaments. No in-person meetings.

Deprived of traditional fund raising tools, particularly its annual spring gala, CASA Lake County turned to its loyal, local supporters for a special fundraising effort. Led by Assertio Therapeutics, Inc., based in Lake Forest, Camping World Holdings, Inc., in Lincolnshire, and The Keywell Foundation, in Chicago, the campaign that was created raised over $320,000 for the Vernon Hills-based non-profit organization, achieving CASA's goals.

Todd Smith, President, CEO and Director of Assertio, said "Assertio is honored to make an additional contribution, even during this unparalleled period of COVID-19, to support CASA's people and programs which help Lake County's children in foster care. As a Lake County-based company, with many employees who reside here, we believe it is vital to stand behind CASA's mission to champion the best interests of these at-risk children at a time when our nation is focused on social justice and racial inequalities."

CASA Lake County Executive Director Terri Zenner Greenberg said, "We have long known the deep empathy and generosity of the individuals, companies and foundations that support the work of CASA, but that has never been more evident than during our hour of need this year. We are so grateful."

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Lake County works to support children who have been abused and/or neglected and are party to cases active in the Lake County juvenile court system. The work of CASA depends on almost 300 local volunteers who are trained by the organization and certified by the court to advocate on behalf of the children.

Because of this successful campaign, CASA Lake County was empowered to continue its work with over 550 Lake County children in foster care. That work has taken on renewed importance as the number of children in foster care here has soared by thirty percent in the last three years, and the needs of those children have grown substantially during the pandemic crisis.

More than 100 children are currently on a waiting list, in need of a CASA volunteer to help them through difficult circumstances. Any adult interested in volunteering with CASA Lake County, please contact Suzanne Cash at scash@casalakecounty.com. If you are interested in donating, please visit the organization's website at casalakecounty.com.