2007 Evening of Promise Rallies the CASA Faithful!

After a huge 25^th anniversary celebration at the Blackhawk Auto Museum, CASA returned to a more intimate venue at the beautiful Lafayette Veterans Memorial Building for our 2007 Evening of Promise Fundraising Gala. I am thrilled to report that the event was a smashing success!

In true community style, 185 CASA supporters from all walks of life and all regions of the county gathered to celebrate 26 years of advocacy service and to help raise desperately needed funds for the CASA program.

Our special guest Emcee this year was Dan Ashley, anchor of ABC7 News at 6, 9 and 11p.m. “Mr. Ashley’s genuine warmth, sense of humor and compassion for the CASA mission helped to make this Evening of Promise one of the best!” stated a CASA supporter.

A positive feeling emanated throughout the evening as guests smiled, laughed, interacted with each other, and bonded over the common theme of making CASA a stronger organization to better serve abused, neglected and abandoned children in our community.  As the program commenced, our friends and supporters were welcomed by CASA Executive Director Keith Archuleta and Event Chair Vicki Hughes, as they recognized all who contributed to the success of this gathering.

Guests enjoyed the moving National CASA video presentation, “Make a Lifelong Difference,” re-mixed by CASA supporters Adam and Christina Richards. They were inspired by the presentation of the Danny Franko Jr. Memorial Scholarship to 6 deserving CASA children aging out of the system and the moving stories presented by Volunteer Coordinator Molly McNamara and Case Management Director Cheri Nakisher. Volunteers Sue Woowine and Chris Kruszka were on hand to receive the scholarships on behalf of their CASA teens.

During this special evening, CASA honored the generous support that we have received from The Dianda Family Trust over the past 4 years by recognizing George and Sandy Baldocchi with the “Light of Hope Award”. The award was presented by new CASA Board President Kay Neumayer and was accepted by CASA Development Director Gregg Chavaria on behalf of the Baldocchi’s who could not attend the event due to a family function. 

The program concluded with a rousing live auction led by auctioneer Dennis McCormack and emcee Dan Ashley as they encouraged bids from people eager to secure sought-after auction items. The highest single bid went to live auction item #11 Signed Oakland Raider Team Helmet for a whopping $2,500.

CASA friends and supporters concluded the evening with the swinging sounds of Mark Welch Entertainment as D.J. Steve made sure CASA supporters left the event singing and dancing!

In total, the CASA faithful helped to gross over $91,000 for this year’s Evening of Promise, helping to ensure CASA advocates will remain a powerful voice in our CASA children’s lives!

Thank you again to all who made this event great!

Gregg Chavaria

Director of Development