What a wonder-filled night! On October 10, 2024, the CASA community gathered at The High Five GR for the annual Heart of CASA dinner. Together, we celebrated award recipients, raised funds, and inspired new volunteers to support CASA’s mission in the coming year. Guests enjoyed delicious food, great company, and an atmosphere of wonder decorated with custom vases created by local art students from East Grand Rapids Middle School.
This year, CASA of Kent County proudly honored Rookie of the Year Christina Baur and Advocate of the Year Melissa Finkbeiner. Gary Pritchard, an extraordinary longtime CASA advocate, ambassador, and supporter, received the 2024 Heart of CASA Award. During his acceptance speech, Gary shared a moving story about a former student who first inspired him to begin his CASA journey many years ago.
Later, guest speaker Matt Jemilo told the story of Jeremiah, a young man nearing the end of his time in the foster care system without finding a permanent family. Matt’s words brought Jeremiah’s story to life, encouraging attendees to imagine a community where each child has a devoted advocate. The evening continued with several CASA volunteers sharing how their advocacy for Kent County’s children has made a lasting impact.
The night left the CASA community with a renewed sense of wonder and a commitment to the work ahead. We are so grateful to everyone who helped make this year’s Heart of CASA event a success!
This event would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Thank you, sponsors!
Meijer
Tom & Kay Bylenga
West Michigan Community Bank
Celebration Cinema
Gilmore Catering
Andy & Susie Rent
Creston Industrial Sales
Devin & Rachel Render
DeVries Dental
The Hendricks Family
Patrick & Katherine Mullen
Zylstra Door
In Memory of Phyllis Snyder
The High Five GR
National Cabinet & Bath Association – West MI Chapter
Save the Date – CASA Luncheon 2025
Friday, April 25, 2025
11:30am – 1:00pm
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
This story is featured in the Winter 2024 edition of CASA Connect, CASA of Kent County’s quarterly newsletter. Click here to view a pdf version of this newsletter.
CASA of Kent County recently hosted special volunteer training with the Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse of Grand Valley State University. The session, called “Navigating Challenging Conversations,” was all about learning ways to have productive dialogue—even when emotions are high.
CASA of Kent County has welcomed some new faces to the board of directors, and we’d like to introduce them!
The road to change may be tough, but with a hope that gets back up and keeps fighting, we can create real impact for those who need it most. I invite you to join us—to be their hope. Whether you volunteer, donate, or advocate, you can help create a brighter future for our community’s children and families. Together, let’s be the hope that makes a difference.
Being an informed community member will better equip you to advocate for vulnerable children in our community. Subscribe to our email list to stay up to date on CASA of Kent County news, stories, events, and more. We promise not to overwhelm you with too many emails!
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