2026 Luncheon Recap
CASA Around Town
Spreading the word about CASA’s mission is key to helping children in Kent County foster care receive the best-interest advocacy they deserve. The...
One can expect when attending a CASA of Kent County event that the theme will be woven throughout the event. From program messaging to décor to music, the CASA team will surely remind you of the neat metaphor that brought you together with other guests to support children and families in Kent County. This year’s theme, Ripple Effect, was no exception.
The sentiment echoed throughout the event space: It only takes one person – just a drop in the ocean – to make waves. A conversation with a friend. An encouraging text message. A LinkedIn post. Any of these small actions could cause a ripple effect that changes a child’s life for the better.
During the event, guests enjoyed an exhibit from student artists from Catholic Central High School that highlighted the individual impact that ripples can make. The program also featured powerful messages from key voices in the CASA community. Referee Peter Kulas-Dominguez spoke of the vital impact of CASA volunteers that he sees in the courtroom. CASA volunteer Chad Kirkpatrick shared his experience advocating for two siblings over the past three years.
Executive Director Stephanie Sheler concluded the event by calling on guests to begin creating their own ripple effect through volunteering, donating, or spreading the word. The event illustrated how the power of one individual can grow into a movement with the support of the community. Together, we can ensure that children and families receive the support they need.
This story is featured in the Summer 2026 edition of CASA Connect, CASA of Kent County’s quarterly newsletter. Click here to view a pdf version of this newsletter.
354 total attendees
27 guests interested in volunteering
89 new donors
201 total individual/household and corporate donors
$88,728.89 total raised
Thank you, sponsors!
The Jeff & Cheryl Baker Family Foundation – Presenting Sponsor
Allied Electric – Gold Sponsor
Blackwell Insurance Services
Auto-Owners Insurance
Plante Moran
Nienhuis Financial Group LLC
Ron & Jeannine Lemmon
West Michigan Community Bank
Bear Sign
Save the date for Heart of CASA
Thursday, October 8, 2026
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Heart of CASA 2025
For Heart of CASA, the annual fundraising dinner and award ceremony, the CASA team decided to take the opportunity of having the CASA community gathered to feature some of the Humans of CASA – in person. Thus, this year’s theme was born: Meet the humans. Feel the heart.
The moments that last
A month or so ago, I was reminded in the sweetest way of how lasting a CASA’s impact can be. While I was meeting with a prospective board member at a local coffee shop, a woman approached me and said, “We’ve never met, but my son, Peter, remembers you. He had a CASA — Miss Cindy.”
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