The Savannah-Chatham County district of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) held its annual fundraiser kick-off, the CASA Carnival, to help raise awareness and funds for its program while also celebrating the foundation’s 20th anniversary on July 20.
During this networking event, 12 local celebrities were announced to compete in CASA’s fourth annual Dancing with Savannah Stars fundraiser at the Lucas Theatre on Nov. 10. CASA’s executive director Zadonna Slay estimated that Dancing with Savannah Stars raises approximately $50,000 for the foundation every year.
This year’s contestant Heather Burge commented, “I’m really excited. I have five or six friends that will be in competition with me.”
Dancing with Savannah Stars 2011 contestants:
– Jesse Blanco, WJCL – WTGS/The Coastal Source
– Heather Burge, BleuBelle Bridal & Boutique, Inc.
– Kenya Cabine, E-93Fm/Cumulus Broadcasting
– Ashlea Hilliard Carson, Carey Hilliard’s Restaurant
– Chris Donegan, Control Southern
– Ginger Fawcett, Liquid Ginger
– Isa Holloway, Coastal Acupuncture
– April Johnston, Mangled Courtesan
– Don Logana, WTOC – TV
– Katy Moretz, Savannah Neurology Specialists
– Melissa Phillips, Hussey, Gay, Bell & DeYoung Engineers and Architects
Savannah-Chatham county’s CASA is a sect of a national program that works toward caring for abused and neglected children who become entangled in overcrowded juvenile justice and foster care systems. To care for these children, CASA works with citizen volunteers or “CASA advocates” who interact with courts and the Department of Family and Children Services to ensure their assigned child’s interests are not overlooked.
“CASA serves as the voice of the forgotten child,” Slay said.
Slay spends her days managing the organization’s coordinators and volunteers along with leading events such as the CASA carnival. When asked what motivated her to work for CASA, Slay said that her mother spent years working as a mental health social worker which inspired her to pursue a career within the field. Even though she didn’t entirely follow in her mother’s steps, she’s pleased to have fallen into the world of child advocacy.
Charlene Peebles, a seven year member of CASA, served five years as a volunteer and was promoted to the rank of coordinator two years ago. After hearing about the organization through a professor while studying to become a paralegal at South University, she signed up immediately. When asked what her role is at CASA, Peebles said “the juvenile court justice appoints the cases and I work side-by-side with volunteers.” Peebles also works with the Department of Family and Children Services who provide her with additional cases.
Known as the self-proclaimed “crazy CASA lady,” CASA advocate Susan Ryncavage has worked within the program for 12 years. She insists that she’s not looking for awards, recognition or permanency, she simply loves doing what’s best on behalf of all children.
While reflecting on the case of a young lady who was taken from her home and adopted by her grandmother two days before her 18th birthday, Ryncavage continuously stressed the importance of giving a child a permanent home and wishes that more young adults would take the opportunity to mentor kids who can relate to them.
“I would love for younger people to be involved and I want more diversity,” Rynacavage said.
CASA advocate Lloyd Bryant is catering to two children, but mentioned that he’s worked with as many as six at a time. The 2008 story of the severely abused 10-month-old Aiden Waller of Effingham county was the catalyst that got him involved in the CASA foundation. He enjoys speaking for and visiting the kids while helping them find permanent homes.
“I am their voice,” Bryant said.
Above all, CASA continues to act as a shield for Savannah’s neglected children and have no plans on stopping anytime soon. They encourage all SCAD students to volunteer and support. Anyone interested may contact Savannah-Chatham county CASA at (912) 447-8909 or visit their website at www.savannahcasa.org.
