CASA of Kent County held its annual Heart of CASA dinner on October 19, 2023. Familiar faces and new friends gathered at The High Five GR, an exciting new venue, to honor award recipients and garner support for CASA’s mission for the coming year. Delicious food and twinkling lights helped set the evening’s tone.
The CASA community celebrated “Rookie of the Year” Marni Vyn and “Advocate of the Year” Pat Grabenstein for their dedicated advocacy. Kay Bylenga, a long-time CASA supporter, current volunteer, and former staff and board member, was presented with the well-deserved 2023 Heart of CASA award. Kay’s acceptance of the award and her moving speech that followed brought a standing ovation.
Later that night, guests heard the story of a CASA child, Desirae*, who safely reunited with her mom thanks to support from her CASA, Nancy, and foster care caseworker, Ashley. Desirae’s story came to life through a first-person reading by friend of CASA, Adalynn McAvoy, and a moving interview with Nancy and Ashley themselves.
The CASA community proved we are indeed stronger together through generous gifts of time and money. We are so thankful to everyone who contributed to a wonderful Heart of CASA event this year!
Total attendees 240
Guests interested in becoming CASA Volunteers 25
New monthly donors 9
Total Raised $58,286
Thank you, sponsors!
Tom and Kay Bylenga
Meijer
West Michigan Community Bank
Key Bank
Celebration Cinema
Gilmore Catering
Andy Rent and Susie Gordon
The Boutelier Family
Creston Industrial Sales
Devries Dental
Neil Siebert with First Community Mortgage
Patrick and Katherine Mullen
Pioneer Construction
Success Realty West Michigan
Churchill Mortgage
The High Five GR
Save the Date – CASA Luncheon 2024
Thursday, April 25, 2024
11:30am – 1:00pm
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Thank you to our event photographers, Deborah Hoag and Micah Hill (photo backdrop)!
This story was featured in the Winter 2023 edition of CASA Connect, CASA of Kent County’s quarterly newsletter. Click here to view a pdf version of this newsletter.
Family cycles, for better or worse, are difficult to break. Some cycles can be inconsequential or even a little silly. Others, however, can become serious and dangerous obstacles to overcome.
Check out our fiscal year 2023 annual report!
On January 22, 2024, CASA volunteers, court personnel, foster care agency workers, MDHHS staff, and other interested community members came together for an informative presentation titled Drugs 101: Myths, Trends, and Opportunities to Intervene.
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2024 Annual Luncheon | April 25, 2024
