Luncheon raises $15K for CASA

SANDPOINT — North Idaho CASA hosted over 100 people at the Tango Café last Thursday. Community members gathered to learn more about how this non-profit helps child victims in our area and how interested persons can become advocates.

Director of Development, Kristin Ludwig, was proud to show the audience the newest CASA outreach video. Segments taped in the Bonner County Courthouse, featured Judges, Advocates and Supervisors who work with local child victims.

The 2019 annual event was sponsored by Finan MacDonald. Table sponsors included: Trinity at the Beach, Sandpoint Furniture, Bonner General Health, Century 21 Riverstone, Elsaesser Anderson Charter and Litehouse, Inc., Pend d’Oreille Winery, Azalea and Winter Ridge Natural Foods.

CASA board liaison, Lara Wohllaib, found her passion for the Sandpoint community as a volunteer and supporter for services caring for children in need.

“Connecting CASA with local donors and sister organizations like Kinderhaven, is so important,” Wohllaib said. “Providing for our youngest victims shows we care about their futures. These kids need to feel supported and valued.”

CASA recruits and trains volunteer Advocates for child victims of abuse and neglect in North Idaho. Advocates investigate child protection cases, represent the child’s best interest in court and help find them a safe home with a forever family.

The First Judicial District CASA Program serves the five northern counties of Idaho and was assigned 490 children in 2018 — 97 of those children were in Bonner and Boundary counties, 29 were under the age of 5. Twenty-eight active advocates served these cases under the leadership of newly appointed Bonner/Boundary supervisor, Jessie Sheldon.

Speakers included Jen Plummer from Kinderhaven and advocate of the year, Rita Lefler and advocate trainer, Janis Rust.

To find out how you can help child victims, visit northidahocasa.org.