The red carpet was rolled out for over 360 CASA friends and supporters who attended our 25th anniversary celebration on October 7, 2006 at the Blackhawk Auto Museum.

Guests were met by white gloved greeters who graciously held two large glass doors open revealing a transformed locale. As guests entered they were met by the huge CASA quilt letting them know they were in the right place. Live music performed by the Chocolate Rice Jazz Ensemble filled the open-air foyer as friends and supporters choked the stairwells leading to the VIP reception and silent auction.

The CASA family celebrated the milestone achieved and basked in the warmth of people coming together for a common cause: to support the advocacy work provided by CASA for a quarter of a century. Resolutions from the County Board of Supervisors, the State Assembly and Senate, and Congress all bestowed recognition upon CASA for its service to the County’s most vulnerable group: abused, neglected, and abandoned children.

Our last minute Mistress of Ceremonies, Julie Haener, KTVU Co-Anchor for the 6 o’clock News, helped Event Chair Vicki Hughes welcome our friends and supporters and recognize all those who contributed to the success of the CASA celebration.

Guests enjoyed live entertainment from recording artist Jonno. They were moved by the powerful images of Board Member George Carter’s video “Voices,” and CASA Executive Director Keith Archuleta’s video, “Stand Up!” They were inspired by the presentation of the Danny Franko Jr. Memorial Scholarship to 5 deserving CASA children aging out of the system and the moving words of Presiding Judge Lois Haight.

For this special celebration, CASA honored the generous support that we have received from AT&T over the past 4 years by recognizing Cynthia Marshall, CASA Board Member and Senior Vice President of AT&T. Surprised, Cynthia was all smiles as she came to the stage with her children, accepted the award, and vowed continued support to our program.

Long time CASA Advocate Sandy Burns received the “Beyond the Call of Duty Award”.

The evening concluded with a rousing live auction led by Dennis McCormack and John Pereira as they encouraged bids from people eager to secure sought after auction items.

The highest single bid went to “An Evening of Dining Pleasure” prepared and by the “Here Comes Trouble Crew” and helped CASA secure $2,750!Overall, CASA grossed over $120,000 at this event. The evening was truly one to remember and the funds generated guarantee that CASA will continue to remain a powerful voice in a child’s life.

Click on each photograph to enlarge it.

CASA Volunteers Sandra Wills and John Sandler	CASA Volunteers and EOP Registration Volunteers Eileen Mena, Kerry Mixie, Chris Kruszka, and Lisa Corey	Julie Haener, KTVU Co-Anchor for the 6 o’clock News	CASA Board Member and Evening of Promise Committee Chair Vicki Hughes	Jonno
Barb Johnson, Congressman Miller's representative, and Malcolm Sher, CASA Board President	Cynthia Marshall, CASA Board Member, her children, and CASA Board President Malcolm Sher	Executive Director Keith Archuleta and Sandy Burns, CASA Team Leader and Volunteer	Judge Lois Haight

Photos by Gordana Zura

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