As a vital member of our Los Angeles community, I'm excited to invite you to join our 9th Annual Evening to Foster Dreams event, which will be held virtually on Thursday, May 13th. Last year we hosted our first-ever online event which has been viewed over 1,800 times, and, with the help of our silent auction partners, our fundraising effort nearly reached the success level of our in-person galas!

As you may know, CASA of Los Angeles is a nonprofit organization that recruits, trains and supports Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) volunteers to work one-on-one with children in Los Angeles County’s child welfare system who have experienced abuse or neglect. The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting closure of schools, courts, and service agencies this year has heightened the already critical need for CASA advocacy in the for children in foster care. In less than a year since the arrival of COVID19, the number of children in the foster care system in Los Angeles County has risen more than 25% to reach 38,000 open cases. In order to support and respond to growing needs of youth in L.A. County, we need to continue raising money and awareness to increase staffing to recruit and support incoming CASA volunteers.

We are aware that you receive many requests for donations, and are sensitive to the struggles you and your organization may also be facing during these uncertain times. However, if you have the capacity we would be deeply grateful if will consider partnering with CASA/LA by donating an item, experience, or certificate that we can use in our silent auction. In light of the uncertainty of the continuance of the pandemic in the Los Angeles area, we would deeply appreciate it if you could kindly consider offering expiration dates that extend 18 months or take the opportunity to offer any COVID-19 tailored programs, items or events you may have developed. We know that our donors are excited to continue enjoying all that Los Angeles has to offer through the end of the pandemic and hope to return to normalcy as soon as it is safe to do so. This is a unique opportunity to showcase your exciting offerings to our loyal supporter base and make a meaningful difference for the most vulnerable children in Los Angeles County.

I am overwhelmed by the generosity and care our community has demonstrated during the past year, and hope that we can connect whether or not you are able to contribute to our auction. Please do not hesitate to contact me at klozo@casala.org or 323.859.2888 ext. 6353 if you have any questions or ideas about how can collaborate during this time.