On behalf of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Contra Costa County, thank you for considering donating an auction item for our 40th annual Evening of Promise Gala. This is one of our largest fundraising events and will be held online on Saturday, October 9, 2021.

Since we are aware that the pandemic is impacting many families, businesses, and the community as a whole, we were hesitant to reach out to ask for your support with a donation of a gift certificate, service, wine, or a virtual opportunity we could use to raise funds.  But, the pandemic has not stopped the work we do, and it has escalated even more the need for advocating for abused and neglected children. We also hope the publicity will help to bring additional customers to your business.

The Court Appointed Special Advocates program recruits, trains, and supports volunteer advocates as a powerful voice for the best interest of abused and neglected children during the court process, in order to help every child ultimately thrive in a stable and permanent home.

Even more importantly, the CASA program works. This year, 100% of our youth age 16 to 21 had graduated from high school, earned a GED or were still in school. In addition, of the youth who had graduated or earned a GED 67% were in college or post-secondary education. Finally, 100% of our youth were housed, and 65% were engaged in the County’s Independent Living Skills Program. These statistics are truly amazing as nationwide only 48% of foster youth graduate from high school or earn a GED, and less than 10% go onto college.