CASA is hosting two events to bring attention to and help the 1,500 children in Tulare County who are in the juvenile court dependency system, all victims of abuse or neglect.
The mission of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is to speak up for the innocent children who are victims of abuse and neglect, advocating for their safety and well-being by training community volunteers to represent their best interests and be their voice in court.
April is National Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month. CASA of Tulare County, the Child Abuse Prevention Council and the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office will kick off the 19th Annual Blue Ribbon Campaign with a March on Main Street on Saturday, April 5, at 9am.
Participants will gather at Center and Floral streets and march down Main Street to Garden Street Plaza where there will be face painting and fun events for kids, a drum circle, Ballet Folkforico, information booths and remarks by Judge Juliet Boccone, District Attorney Tim Ward and others.
Blue ribbons, which show support and draw attention to the tragedy of child abuse and neglect, will be given out at the event.
CASA will also host “Once Upon a Dream,” its 20th Annual Gala Dinner and Auction – which is moving to the Visalia Convention Center this year – on Friday, May 16, at 6:30pm. The dinner will be prepared by the Vintage Press, and dancing will be to the music of Borrowed Time. Live and silent auctions will include a vehicle drawing from Ed Dena’s Auto Center, a St. Louis trip for four that includes a four-night stay and box seats to a St. Louis Cardinals’ three-game series, Tulare County Symphony season tickets with dinners, and many other items.
For reservations, call 625-4007. For more information, visit www.casatulareco.org.