Fun, basketball and fundraising
The Saline County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) fundraiser featuring the Harlem Wizards basketball team at Duff-Kingston Gym Sunday in Eldorado was a smashing success.
More than $7,800 was raised for the charity, which advocates for abused children in the county.
"We would like to thank all the people that made this event a success," said one of the event organizers, Trina Irwin. "The afternoon was filled with fun and laughter. Children, as well as adults, enjoyed the event and smiles were on everyone's faces."
The CASA Hotshots team consisted of John McPeak, Billy Tippett, Eric Gregg, Ryan Hobbs, Jake Stewart, "Whipper" Johnson, Aaron Allen, Joey Walker, Bryan Questelle, Paula Allen, Malayna Douglas, Nathan Burnett, Jason Riggs, Jacob Morse and Coach Denise Clayton.
A Wizards' birthday bash was also held for Caden Sexton and Brenna Bailey.
The 3-Point contest was won by Brookes Wilson, who received a gaming basket sponsored by the Harrisburg Wal-Mart and the half-court shot contest was won by Hayleigh Collins, who received a family fun basket sponsored by Banterra Bank.
Sponsors for the event include: State Rep. Brandon Phelps; Beck's Drugs Pharmacy; Oxygen and Medical Equipment; Jason Kaisar; State Sen. Gary Forby; United Way 211; Peoples National Bank; Friends of CASA; Dr. Larry & Janet Jones; Legence Bank; Commercial Janitorial Services; Clearwave Communications; First Mid Illinois Bank & Trust; Dad's BBQ; State Farm; Shane Gooden; Executive Aviation Consulting LLC; Watermark Used Cars; Tom Clore Prudential Insurance; Michael Stewart & Associates; Harrisburg Rotary; Liberty Energy Corp.; Integrated Health; Farmers State Bank; Russell Oil Roc One Stop; All In One Real Estate Ayn Bartok; Wooded Hills Bar & Grill; Jim Hayes Inc.; AirEVac; Budget Builders.
Irvin also praised Eldorado High School's Cody Cusic and the Math Club; the Eldorado Junior Class and the Eldorado Women's Club.
CASA of Saline County currently serves 67 children with 21 active volunteers.
"We are searching for volunteers to help these children through the court process," Irvin said. "They normally change foster care placements multiple times, caseworkers multiple times but their CASAs are the consistent factor in this process."
The total cost to the CASA program for a year's advocacy is approximately $2,150 per person.
CASA of Saline County advocates for abused and neglected children who enter the Saline County juvenile court system. CASA trainings consist of 30 hours of classroom time with six hours of court observation. Contact the CASA office at (618) 253-3355 to find out to become a CASA volunteer today!