By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

A local nonprofit is inviting the community to a fundraiser  to help “make a difference in the lives of children,” according to Lyndsey Crisenbery, executive director of Court Appointed Special Advocates.

The fourth annual “Valentines Evening” is CASA’s biggest fundraiser of the year. The event is scheduled Friday at Rose Garden Banquet Hall, starting at  6 p.m. with a cocktail hour and silent auction, followed by dinner and a live auction.

Some of the items in the auction include a 32-inch LG TV, salon packages, a John Deere tricycle and more.

“All proceeds go to recruiting, training and managing volunteers,” Chrisenbery said.

Chrisenberry said volunteers are “very important” and help children who are in the court system “through no fault of their own.” The volunteers gather information such as the children’s parents and home life  in order to report to the court what outcome is in the best interest of the child.

Chrisenbery hopes the fundraiser will bring more awareness for the need of  CASA volunteers. According to Crisenbery, there are 100 children in the court system in Ellis County, but only 20 have CASA representation.

Chrisenbery said there are a few requirements volunteers ned in order to volunteer as an court advocate.  The volunteers go though training, pass a background check and must be willing to volunteer two to fours hours per week.

Contact the CASA office at (785) 628-8641. for ticket information.