27th Annual CASA Auction Raises $780,000 to Support Local Children in Foster Care

Portland, OR. CASA for Children of Multnomah, Washington, and Columbia Counties hosted its 27th Annual CASA Auction: Singing in the Rain at the Portland Art Museum on April 6th. Auction Chair and CASA Volunteer Anna Maria Savinar had a chance to visit with The Honorable Judge Nan Waller. The evening’s presenting sponsor was Fred Meyer, and the event raised more than $780,000 in support of CASA’s mission to advocate for the rights, safety, and well being of abused and neglected children who are under the protection of the courts. This is CASA’s highest grossing auction to date, and its largest single source of fundraising revenue. (Photo credit, Julie Court Jacob)

The auction achieved its most successful year to-date with support from generous donors like Fred Meyer— the event’s Presenting Sponsor, and the Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund— the event’s lead Challenge Match Sponsor. The audience was comprised of over 500 guests, including: Governor Kate Brown, former Multnomah County Presiding Judge Nan Waller, leaders from Portland’s corporate and philanthropic communities, CASA volunteers, CASA’s Board of Directors, and CASA’s Ambassador Board.

The honorary guests were a foster family who shared their story of adopting two biological siblings and the critical role the children’s CASA played in making the adoption possible. The foster parents expressed their gratitude to the children’s CASA volunteer who worked tirelessly for six years to help finalize the adoption. This touching story encouraged the evening’s guests to raise their paddles during the special appeal, which raised over $271,000. CASA greatly appreciates the generosity of each attendee, and would also like to thank Sheila Hamilton and Kelly Russell, the emcee and Auctioneer for the evening; the event’s success could not have been possible without them.

All proceeds raised from the auction directly impact our ability to serve more children with a CASA volunteer. A CASA passionately and tirelessly works to guide a child through the trauma of the court system. Oregon law gives CASAs unusual authority as a ‘party to the case’ so that they are able to ensure that the system does not ignore a child’s needs and that the judge has the information to act in the child’s best interests. A CASA is trained to work with judges, social workers, teachers, foster parents, and family members to guarantee that the safety and well-being of the child is front and center. This annual auction ensures the continuation of CASA’s advocacy work on behalf of our community’s foster children.

If you are interested in learning more about how to become a CASA volunteer, upcoming trainings, or future fundraising events, please contact Anne Marie Johnson, Director of Development and Communications, at 503.988.4170 or ajohnson@casahelpskids.org.