Bridge interviewed by Marshall for CASA

Dallas CASA’s Children’s Council hosted the annual Cherish the Children luncheon April 11 at the Arts District Mansion, co-chaired by Lauren Rose Sands and Kathleen Thorson. Sands, inspired by her grandmother Caroline Rose Hunt’s legacy, shared how meaningful it is to make a direct, personal impact as a CASA volunteer. Dallas CASA CEO Kathleen M. LaValle presented the Caroline Rose Hunt Award to longtime community champions Regina Montoya and Paul Coggins. Coggins reminded guests that a caring adult, like a CASA volunteer, can change the course of a child’s life. Guest speaker Andrew Bridge (pictured with Cynt Marshall), a former foster youth and children’s rights attorney, was interviewed by Dallas’ Cynt Marshall. He spoke powerfully about the importance of being seen, heard and understood — something Dallas CASA volunteers provide every day. Longtime volunteer Jeff Underwood shared a moving story about becoming a father figure to a young man he supported through nearly a decade of advocacy. It was a beautiful afternoon of inspiration, connection and raising funds for the work of Dallas CASA. — Rosanne Lewis