Published: November 03, 2008 02:44 pm      

CASA hosts Country Roads fundraising event

By Brenda Tollett

Associate Editor



ADA — Pontotoc County CASA has reason to celebrate. While the world seems turbulent, one thing remains clear: residents in Pontotoc County continue to step forward to stand up for the best interests of abused and neglected children in the juvenile court system.

The local CASA organization has worked for months to make one of this year’s fundraisers a success. Country Roads II concert, dinner, live and silent auction takes place Saturday, Nov. 8, at Ada Elks Lodge. Dinner will be served from 5:30-7 p.m. and live auction takes place at 7 p.m. The concert featuring well-known local entertainers begins at 8 p.m.

In 2007, 22nd Judicial District of CASA served 65 of approximately 180 children who were abused or neglected. “It is the goal of CASA to have a CASA volunteer on every case to serve every child,” said Gwen Gjovig, director of 22nd Judicial District CASA. “To do that we need more funding.”

The local organization receives state and federal funds. However, those are very competitive. “We rely heavily on the local community for funding in the form of donations and fund-raisers,” said Gjovig. “We like to give something back to the community. Country Roads is one way we can do that.”

There are 26 CASA programs statewide. All of which are governed locally. Pontotoc County’s CASA program is governed by a board of directors who carefully monitor finances through a number of checks and balances, including a yearly audit by an outside accounting agency.

Entertainers for this year’s event includes Comedian Darlin’ Darla, Snowy River Band, Clancy Davis, Karisa Davis, Cham Devere, Amber Henderson, Tara Scott, Susan McGee and Darla Sadler.

Auction items include Amish handmade quilt, Amish handmade rocking chair, highchair, leather bridle, Kinkade lithographs, hat signed by Blake Shelton, guitar signed by Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert, antiques and Home Interior items, OU and OSU gift baskets, fragrance and skin care gift basket, adult and children Wrangler clothing, matted and framed quality art, Bedré gift baskets, 10-month-old sorrel filly, 5-month-old registered French bulldog and fine jewelry.

Since 1984, CASA volunteers in Oklahoma have advocated for more than 20,000 abused and neglected children who were wards for juvenile courts. According to the organization, CASA volunteers are everyday people who care about children. Many work full-time while others are housewives, grandparents or college students. The eventually become responsible for gathering information that will enable the court to understand the situation of the child.

For Country Roads reservations, phone 580-332-1441.