CASA Fundraising Dance Theme: “Fantastic Forties”
By RANDY WILDER, UCHRA Community Outreach/Resource Development Manager
Seventy years ago, this country entered a decade in its history like no other. Coming out of one of the most trying times people had lived through, every street, in every town had someone proudly wearing a uniform from any branch of the armed services. Women were entering the work force, while young men were leaving to serve their county. From this decade we have icons such as “Rosie the Riveter”, “Kilroy was here”, and big band music. It was the Forties, a decade of prosperity and war; a decade in which this country was united for a common cause; a decade worth honoring.
On September 24th, the Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency’s Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program of Putnam County will be paying tribute to the “Fantastic Forties” at their annual fund raising theme dance. It will be held at Delmonico Winery in Baxter from 7:00 until 11:00 PM, with a sponsor’s pre-dance celebration from 6:00 to 7:00 pm. The dance will feature door prizes, silent auction, games and trophies awarded for the best dancers and most authentic costumes judged in three themes: fashion, wartime and entertainment. Proceeds support the activities of Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers. One set of music will be provided by a live big band. The night’s meal is being donated by O’Charley’s Restaurant.
“The passion of the CASA program and its volunteers is one to be recognized and praised.” Said Phyllis Bennett, Executive Director of the Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency, “We are proud to have people so dedicated to the children of this area in our organization.”
CASA volunteers are judge appointed advocates who assist in determination of the best possible outcome for abused, neglected, or exploited children on a case by case basis. Despite the state’s attempts to help, these children may become trapped in the court and child welfare maze spending their childhood moving from one temporary shelter to another. CASA becomes the voice of these children. CASA serves Cumberland and Putnam Counties.
Johnnie Wheeler, Career Center Coordinator, stated, “The CASA program fund raising dance is a wonderful opportunity to gather and support an extraordinary program involving extraordinary people. This is a chance for the community to show their support financially and have a good time too.”
Also included in this year’s dance is a night of instruction and encouragement as Tennessee Tech Swing Dance Club will be offering lessons for the dances of the 40”s. This is free for anyone who purchases tickets for the CASA dance. Separate tickets may be purchased for the lessons at $5 each and is being held at the Memorial Gym dance studio on September 20th.
For information about the dance ticket purchases call: 931-267-6559 or on how to become a CASA volunteer, contact the Tennessee Career Center at Cookeville at 931-520-8733 and ask for CASA.