If you’ve ever attended a CASA of Kent County luncheon, you know the atmosphere is one of warmth, passion, and purpose—and this year was no exception. The 2025 Annual Luncheon, themed Home, was our largest and most impactful event yet. Held at the beautiful Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, the luncheon welcomed 368 guests for an inspiring afternoon of community connection and shared commitment.
Attendees enjoyed a custom art exhibit and heard a moving choir performance thanks to talented students from Catholic Central High School—both highlighting the emotional impact and importance of a safe, loving home.
The program also featured powerful messages from key voices in the CASA network. The Honorable Deborah McNabb spoke about the vital role of child advocacy in her courtroom. She emphasized the difference CASA volunteers make in the lives of vulnerable children. Longtime CASA volunteer Ginger Randall shared her heartfelt journey advocating for several children, including a young man who aged out of the foster care system without finding a permanent home.
Executive Director Stephanie Sheler closed the program with a compelling call to action, challenging guests to help expand CASA’s reach so that every child in Kent County has the consistent, caring advocate they deserve.
This year’s luncheon was a poignant reminder of what home truly means: a safe, loving, and accepting place—and the people who create it. Together, we can ensure every child in our community has the chance to experience that sense of belonging.
This story is featured in the Summer 2025 edition of CASA Connect, CASA of Kent County’s quarterly newsletter. Click here to view a pdf version of this newsletter.
Total attendees: 368
Total individual/household and corporate donors: 206
First-time donors: 71
Guests interested in volunteering: 35
Amount raised: $71,025
Thank you to our sponsors!
Jeff & Cheryl Baker Family Foundation – Presenting Sponsor
Blackwell Insurance Services
West Bend Insurance Company
Fifth Third Bank
West Michigan Community Bank
The Boutelier Family
Stratus Psychological Services
Creston Industrial Sales
Success Realty
Ron & Jeannine Lemmon, Patriot Realty
Nienhuis Financial Group LLC
Save the Date
Heart of CASA
October 16, 2025
The High Five GR
The CASA of Kent County team had the privilege of attending Reunification Day, an annual celebration hosted by West Michigan Partnership for Children (WMPC), at John Ball Zoo.
CASA of Kent County’s executive director, Stephanie, recently had the honor of presenting at Pediatric Grand Rounds hosted by Corewell Health.
Since opening its doors in the Greater Grand Rapids community in 1996, Express Employment Professionals has operated with a deep belief: that a good job is about more than just a paycheck. It’s about purpose, connection, and the opportunity to grow.
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