CASA Classic breaks record, helps children

By Rosanne Lewis

The Dallas CASA Classic raised $1.9 million for Dallas CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and the child victims of abuse and neglect served by the agency’s volunteers.

The tournament, created 26 years ago, was jointly hosted by AT&T, Goldman Sachs and Pioneer Natural Resources. Since its inception in 1998, the tournament has netted more than $28 million.

Dallas CASA’s volunteers are community members trained and supervised by the agency’s program staff. They advocate on behalf of child victims of abuse or neglect who are living in foster care. Frequently, a child’s Dallas CASA volunteer is the only constant in the life of a child during a frightening and uncertain time.

Thanks to the support of the tournament, Dallas CASA is able to serve all of the children in need in Dallas County. For more than five years running, Dallas CASA has accepted 100 percent of court appointments by the 10 local judges who preside over Dallas County child welfare cases. During that time, Dallas CASA has served more than 7,000 children with 2,700 volunteer advocates, making it the largest of more than 900 CASA programs nationwide.

“Dallas CASA began in 1980 with just 10 volunteers who dreamed of better outcomes for child victims of abuse or severe neglect,” said Kathleen M. LaValle, president and CEO of Dallas CASA. “That dream has been transformed into reality for all Dallas children through the support of the Dallas CASA Classic. The tournament hosts have encouraged us, supported us, nudged us and ultimately inspired us to serve all children in foster care so they can have the positive, loving futures they deserve.”

Each year, the tournament, held at The Ritz Carlton-Dallas, Las Colinas and Cowboys Golf Club, draws around 500 golfers from across the country who play to support the mission of Dallas CASA. Many golfers have been coming since the earliest days of the tournament. All funds raised at the tournament support the children served by Dallas CASA.

Dallas CASA’s volunteers work with judges, attorneys, educators, therapists, doctors, children’s families and many others to promote healing, safety and, ultimately, permanency for children. The goal is for children to be able to achieve their full potential and grow into strong and capable adults.

Last year, 1,088 Dallas CASA volunteers advocated on behalf of 2,151 children living in the protective care of the state.