Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
CASA of Kosciusko County hosted its 2025 Holiday Festival on Nov. 14 at the Image Air Hangar at the Warsaw Airport, welcoming more than 400 guests to a Clue-themed gala titled “Clues for CASA: Solving the Mystery of Advocacy.”
The event space was donated once again by Image Air Charter.
While final totals are still being finalized, CASA officials said the fundraiser brought in more than $275,000 to support the organization’s mission to recruit, train and support community volunteers who advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children, according to a news release provided by CASA.
CASA Board President Angie Ritchey said the evening’s success reflects the continued commitment of the community.
“The generosity of our sponsors, our donors and our community continue to make the Holiday Festival gala and fundraiser a successful evening,” Ritchey said. “We wouldn’t be able to serve the children we do without those in our community who support our mission.”
Executive Director Erin Rowland Jones told attendees that the need for Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers continues to grow. The program has served 204 children so far in 2025, compared to 177 at this time last year, a 15% increase.
“The number of abused and neglected children assigned to our program has increased, and the severity of the abuse and neglect we’re seeing has intensified,” Rowland Jones said.
During the program, guests also heard from four current CASA volunteers about why they chose to serve. Those volunteers were Tara Carlile, Mike Deuel, Andrea Herschberger and Kirsten Hollar.
A $5,000 matching grant from United Way of Whitley & Kosciusko Counties doubled donations during a portion of the event.
“We are honored and humbled to support CASA,” said Barry Andrew, CEO of United Way of Whitley & Kosciusko Counties. “The work that the volunteers do is invaluable. We are thankful to be able to support the training the volunteers receive.”
The gala featured both live and silent auctions, including a child’s playhouse built by students of Marc Huffer at Warsaw Community High School. After winning the item, the donor chose to gift the playhouse to Joe’s Kids. Crouse Body Shop generously towed and delivered the playhouse to Joe’s Kids Saturday morning for their children to use as part of their therapies and play opportunities. Joe’s Kids Executive Director Rebecca Bazzoni said the donation will have meaningful impact.
“Therapy is hard work, but turning it into play helps children stay engaged and achieve more,” Bazzoni said. “This playhouse will bring joy and creativity to our sessions, benefiting both kids and staff. We are truly grateful to the donor who doubled their impact by supporting both CASA and Joe’s Kids — their generosity will make a meaningful difference for the children we serve.”
Major sponsors of the event included VIP sponsors Wil and Kristy Boren, Bowen Health, Core Mechanical and Silveus Insurance Group, each represented through Clue-themed rooms.
Additional sponsors included Diamond Sponsor Fred and Karen Rowland; Platinum Sponsor Zimmer Biomet; and Gold Sponsors Beacon Pointe, Lake City Bank, Precision Medical Technologies, Steve and Angie Ritchey, SYM Financial Advisors, United Way of Whitley & Kosciusko Counties and Wildman Business Group.
Local restaurants donated the evening’s meal, including Rocksteady Pizza; Cerulean, which prepared duck donated by Maple Leaf Farms; Noa; The Owl’s Nest; and The Cake Lady. Service Liquors donated the table wine, and Rabb Water Systems provided water.
CASA also recognizes the many community members and businesses that donated auction items, as well as event planner Grace Whalen and Heather Desenberg, vice president of the CASA Board of Directors.
“Without these individuals, our fundraising event would certainly not be as successful,” Rowland Jones said. “This is a team effort between the CASA staff, board of directors and community volunteers.”
CASA of Kosciusko County continues to seek volunteers to meet growing need. For more information, visit www.casachildren.com or call 574-372-2401.
