Taste of Crawford County draws 1,200 to fundraiser
by August 10, 2011 8:50 am 82 views
story and photos by Ruby Dean
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Around 1,200 were expected to visit the 11th annual Taste of Crawford County on Tuesday (Aug. 9) to help raise money and awareness for the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program.
The event was held at the Van Buren High School commons area with two seatings, one from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the other from 5 to 7 p.m.
“600 patrons were served from the 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. seating with 500 tickets sold for the evening, but we are selling more tickets at the door,” said Donna Young, treasurer of the board.
Young said Donna expected to serve approximately 1,200, up from last year.
Tickets were $8 in advance and $10 at the door. There was no price increase from last year.
“Last year CASA raised $12,000 and the Boys and Girls Club of Van Buren raised $2,000 from the sale of tickets, which the club was able to keep for themselves,” Young said.
This year, CASA hoped to raise up to $15,000. She estimated the Alma/Van Buren Boys and Girls Club raised about $3,000.
Twenty vendors from all Crawford and Sebastian counties provided a wide range of tastes. Each attendee was given a small portion from each vendor they visited.
This is the first year the Cadillac Grill BBQ & Catering Co. has participated in the event. The owners said it was a great way to network and build customer base plus help a worthy cause. They went from a mobile kitchen to a restaurant upon requests by customers after being at the Crawford County Fair for six years. Desserts were the hardest to pick as there was a large variety and flavors to choose from. A silent auction which included 85 items up for bid also helped raise money for the cause.
CASA is a volunteer program that works to ensure that abused and neglected children have a voice in court. This event was held to help raise money and as a public awareness campaign for abused and neglected children. CASA is a nonprofit organization dependent on fundraisers.
CASA volunteer advocates search for information, review records, and talk with parents, relatives, teachers, health care workers, and the child whose case they are assigned. They identify needed services, available resources and placement options. It doesn’t just stop there. They monitor the court-ordered services to see that they are carried out in a timely manner. They must also appear in court at each hearing with a report outlining concerns and recommendations to help the judge make decisions in the best interest of the child.
CASA is in desperate need of more volunteers. The first step is to call the office for an appointment (474-8502). If the person volunteering decides to follow through, they receive a packet and go through a background check.
